Goddess Kindled, page 24
Kieran stormed from his dwelling in a frustrated huff. How had the night come to this? One minute all was well, hot, and heavy between them. Then in a blink it was the complete opposite, what had he missed. She was right there with him, wasn’t she? Running his fingers through his hair as he trudged his way through the village. He was feeling very edgy, and similar to how he did before entering into battle. Why was that?
Was this how Harlow felt as they left the clearing? It would make sense if she did, and explain her behavior. Even if what she accused him of was true. There had been circumstances beyond his control at play in all his decisions. Still she was right he should have told her. Looking at it from her point of view it would seem he didn’t trust her. That had not been his intention, he had only wanted to protect her. She was his True Mate.
Upset with himself he made his way to the cliff edge of the village. It was a great place to think. Many clansmen came here for the purpose to ponder, and plan. One could see for great distances in the daylight, sometimes in the moonlight too. The scenery was truly beautiful, and really inspired deep thought or sometimes relaxation. Tonight he needed a little of both. He was feeling very emotional, and charged.
Reaching the cliff edge with careful steps he sat near the ledge taking a deep breath. Scanning in the vista surrounding him. The moonlight lit up the mountains, hill, forests, and glen with a sparkling of fairy dust. Shining a unique view on life. Taking another deep inhale he closed his eyes to just be. Needing to center himself before he could even consider thinking up a plan. Or even a well deserved apology.
Hearing the softest of foot steps he knew his friend was coming up behind him. Opening his eyes he turned to look at Aidan.
“Red called you out. Didn’t she.”
Without saying a word he just nodded his head with an uptick of his lip. He knew he deserved it. He had been hoping it would take her a while yet to get to it. No such luck there.
“You should have just been frank with her man. She deserves it.”
With acknowledgement he agreed.
“You were all right, I should have told her everything.”
Running his hands through his hair again in frustration.
“It’s just she’s my Mate, and I need to protect her.”
With a supporting hand on his shoulder.
“She’ll forgive you eventually, you know. With the mating bond she’ll eventually know, and understand. You just need to give her some time.”
Discontent with himself he admitted.
“I know you’re right. I’m more upset with myself than her. I’m proud of her for standing up to me, and telling me what she wanted. Needing time.”
Shrugging.
“It just hurt my pride more than anything.”
Aidan opened his mouth to speak when suddenly he was completely overcome with fear. Hands flying to his gut he sucked in a sharp breath trying to breathe. Through clenched teeth.
“Something is wrong. All I feel is her overwhelming fear.”
Without another word both men jumped up racing back to Kieran’s dwelling. On their way he could feel her terror increase. He tried to push feelings of reassurance her way, and that help was coming. But he couldn’t break through.
“I feel her growing fear, Aiden. I can’t get through to calm.”
Trying harder he wasn’t sure if he was able to get through or not. His connection to her gradually faded to silence. It seemed they had arrived too late. Bursting through the door there was no trace of his Mate anywhere. Only the once dyeing fire that was now roaring with life. Why hadn’t she used the flames to defend herself? She had been amazing during all her training classes.
He was still standing frozen beside the fire when Aidan found him after searching the place. Coming to stand beside him he said.
“Red’s not here. I do know, she did change into her old clothes man.”
Lifting a piece of the fabric she wore to the ceremony, and festival tonight.
“She has all her gear, hopefully she’ll use it.”
Looking into his friends' concerned eyes, Kieran sank to the ground, sitting there staring into the flames. Feeling his Mates terror was not an experience he wanted to repeat ever again. For his first ever real connection to her, it was not a happy one like he had planned. Holding his head in his hands he was at a loss.
Aidan clearly seeing his friend's trouble, and dismayed, sounded the alert, summoning Ravens Night to notify, and put people into action for a search. Hopefully they could find her, though he seriously doubted that would be the case. They were dealing with someone who was skilled at the art of dark magicks. He knew Kieran had not sensed the tell tale signs left behind when they entered his dwelling. The fear for his mate was too strong, he could hardly function, even now. He sat staring into the flames of the fire she had created. For him, and for her he would find some answers.
His suppositions were growing as to who the dark magick user might be. Also who now was likely a kidnapper as well. He didn’t like that possibility, because it would mean someone close to them had done this or aided in this abduction. Depending on who answered the call, he would have his answer to his question of who.
If it did turn out to be who he suspected they would need to be very careful. As members started to arrive they were shocked when they looked upon Kieran. And rightly so, his friend was devastated. At least knowing Red was one of them, with a smart outlook. Gave him assurance she would protect herself as best she could. Slowly more began to arrive, taking up action for a search. While others inspected the magick boundary that had been put into place. Looking for any signatures of ill will.
He knew his suspicions were founded when Cillian stormed into the dwelling after completing his task, and a murderous look on his face. A very prominent member, and a distant cousin of Kieran, and himself he took betrayal seriously. Especially when it involved his younger brother. Stopping right in front of him he growled.
“You knew?”
Shaking his head he whispered.
“No. I only suspected. I had no proof.”
Placing his hand on his friend's shoulder he continued.
“I am sorry Cillian. I didn’t want to be right. I was hoping I was wrong.”
Sagging in defeat, closing his eyes, he nodded in acceptance.
“It’s ok Aidan it’s not your doing. All the blame belongs to him. I suspected he was up to something, but not this. He promised me eons ago he would stop with the dabbling. Clearly he has lied to us all.”
Feeling for his friend, he was not prepared for his next statement.
Firming his posture, he looked up making eye contact.
“He will surely pay with his life for his betrayal…..”
With his mouth open, and no words he paused. Closing his mouth he thought for a moment before turning to look at Kieran, and whispering his question.
“Does he know?”
Turning back to face him. Shaking his head, he said.
“No, I wanted to be sure before I told him.”
Cillian tilted his head with a brow raised. In a silent question.
Understanding, he answered.
“No, I don't believe either of them are aware.”
With a snort Cillian said. As he nudged his head in Kieran’s direction.
“Well I understand her not knowing. But him.”
Just then Kieran finally became aware of his surroundings, and the multitude of conversations going on around him. The most intriguing was the one between Aidan, and Cillian. Jumping up with speed he moved their way to stand by them in an instant.
“What is it I should know, but don’t?”
Looking between the two for any clues he may have missed. He really was losing his touch if he was this out of it. Aidan just simply rolled his eyes as Cillian said laughing.
Slapping him on the back, saying.
“So many things man. So many things”
Growling in frustration he demanded.
“Spill.”
On a long sigh, Aidan said.
“Have a look at your left arm Mate.”
With Aidan raising his brows, giving a nudge of his head, when Kieran gave him a confused look. He already knew he, and Harlow now possessed the mating mark on their left palms. As directed, with a firm grip he took a hold of his sleeve, and gave a good tug. Tearing the fabric to reveal the intricate markings traveling up his arm from his palm. There were interwoven vines of clovers, thistles, roses, and various animals. Symbols they grew up hearing about were dotted across his arm as well. Finally on his upper shoulder was a raven with splayed wings clutching an interwoven crescent moon, and triquetra. The very same symbol as was carved on their bed.
It was beautiful. When the meaning finally flashed through his mind he staggered back a step. Open his mouth to say something anything he couldn’t come up with a thing.
Aiden looked to Cillian stating simply.
“Told you.”
With his statement the room fell eerily silent, all turning in their direction. Gasps of shock sounded, quickly followed by echoed wows. Till finally everyone placed a right fist over their heart, taking a knee, and bowing their head. Kieran looked around the room still in utter shock. He was no longer the chieftain of his clan. No! He, and he suspected Harlow as well, were now the blessed God, and Goddess, destined to rule over all. This was not what he wanted.
Hearing a soft simple whisper.
“And that is why.”
Somehow he also heard her smile.
“Blessed be.”
Blinking rapidly, had he just heard that in his head. This time he heard the softest laughter, before it was gone. Shaking his head he looked around him at all the kneeling men, and women.
“Please get up. I need your help to find my Mate.”
In unison all replied.
“Gladly blessed one.”
He couldn’t think of how this would change things for them. Let alone fathom the why’s, and how’s. It just was. Hopefully whoever had taken her didn’t suspect or know of this change. She suddenly in an instant was now in even more danger. Scared for his Mate he looked to his long time friend Aidan, who was rising.
“We will find her…..”
Before he could continue, Kieran cut him off.
“Don’t even say it. Just don’t. I no more want this than it was given to me. I am still just Kieran to you.”
With a firm look he stared at him down. Until finally Aidan nodded.
“Whatever you wish.”
A smirk spreads across his face.
“Kieran.”
With that out of the way for now they all gathered around their fire. Everyone listened intently as Aiden, and Cillian filled them all in on their suspicions, and findings. It was Cillian’s younger brother that was responsible for the magick component of the abduction. Though they doubted he was the head of the snake controlling all the attempts, and attacks. Unanimously everyone agreed too.
Now knowing Ozel was connected to this caused many emotions to surface. Thankful for a portion of the who answered. Angry he would betray his peoples, and clan this way. Ultimately furious that he harmed his True Mate. With his last thought he could feel the earth beneath them begin to rumble, and move. That is until Aidan, and Cillian each placed a hand on his shoulders. Their calming reassurance helped calm him to the point he could focus.
Acknowledging their caring with a simple nod. Leading the discussion, he moved for everyone to pitch their ideas, and or suggestions on the where Harlow could have been taken, and by whom. After a few rounds of talking back, and forth it was then he noticed his sister, and Corrina were absent. He swore they had been here. Hadn’t they?
Leaning towards Aidan he asked him discreetly where they had gone. The whisper back surprised him. He had asked them along with two others to attempt to track Ozel, and his movements. Since his gut was screaming to him he was involved. Until he had proof though he hadn’t wanted to say for Cillian’s sake. When his concerns were confirmed, he felt he was justified in sending them out without solid proof. Relaxing, he was grateful for his friend's foresight.
Together they began to make plans for different scenarios. Hoping that the women came back with more information. This continued all during the night, and into the next morning. When the village found out about Harlow's abduction, and who was involved, all kinds of information, and support came flooding in. That was how Corrina, and Hayley found the Ravens Night members when they returned, and the final plans were made.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Harlow came to slowly, where was she? Why did she hurt so much? Try as she might she couldn’t recall anything that would cause her so much pain. As she tried to alleviate the throbbing pain by moving it was then she she realized that she couldn’t. Panicking she opened her eyes crying out when the bright light blinded her, it was like blades stabbing into her skull. Wow that hurt, squeezing her eyes shut once more.
A discomforting familiar voice spoke.
“Ah, you’re finally awake I see.”
Seemingly quite annoyed with her.
Carefully opening her eyes this time. Squinting to alleviate the pain, she tried to find the source origin of the voice. Recognizing the blurry figure as the creepy, scary man. The one so full of hatred, that had taken her. Licking her very dry lips, she was barely able to ask.
“What do you want?”
“Well, you of course.”
He snarled at her.
“Why?”
She was so confused, and scared. She was also having trouble thinking clearly.
“What did you do to me?”
Trying to move again she realized her wrists were tied behind her back, and secured to the floor. The stone floor beneath her also carried up the walls, and across the ceiling. Her body had been positioned facing the only source of light, coming from a very small, narrow window. To the side of that wall was a wall of bars. Which her captor was sitting in a chair on the other side of. Great, she was in a prison cell.
“Feeling sore are we. Well you deserve it after all the trouble I went through to get you. You wouldn’t stop mumbling, and moaning. So we had to steal a cart to toss you in. That way we could cover you, and muffle your crazy murmurings.”
Looking all putout, he continued to sneer at her.
“I don’t even know you. So why take me?”
Moaning as she tried to sit up. Feeling very much like she’d been run over by something, it took her several attempts. Finally sitting up she felt a little woozy. Swallowing passed the bile, she focused on a spot on the floor till it stopped moving.
“You still didn’t answer my question. Why me?”
“Oh I think you already know my dear.”
Rising from his chair in an attempt at a regal fashion. He failed miserably. He was so shaky in his movements. He seemed to be trying to hide it too, only the more he tried the worse they got.
“Now if you wish for your suffering to end, give me what I want.”
Who did this man think he was anyway? Squaring her shoulders she looked him right in the eyes, as best she could anyway, with a firmly said.
“No. I will never give you anything.”
With the scariest laugh he turned.
“Suit yourself. I will get what I want in the end.”
Laughing as he walked away. Shouting
“I always do.”
Laughing until he was too far away for her to hear.
Shaking off the chills of his laughter she took in her surroundings once more. How would she get out of this one she wondered. She was scared, and alone, held in a prison cell by a crazy man. A man, who did who knows what to her while she was out cold. She began to shake with her fear, allowing it to consume her.
Sometime later, she wasn’t sure how much time had passed. Between her all consuming fear, and drifting off she had no sense of time. Waking up she wished her brother was here. He would know what to do, and how. She just really missed him, and was so scared. Having tasted the level of that man's hatred for her, it made him very dangerous, and unpredictable. Also the separation from her twin for this long was beginning to take its toll. Whispering her brother's name in a plea.
“Caden”
Suddenly she felt as if Caden was there giving her a warm hug. She could smell the familiar scents of him. Cracking her eyes open just a bit, she scanned her cell in search of him. Finding nothing, it was her in the cell, with arms still bound to the floor. Still that smell, it was everywhere. Whispering again.
“Caden?”
“Harlow”
Alert now, she quickly scanned the room again coming up empty. Curios she whispered
“How Caden?”
“In your head Harlow. Just think your questions. I can hear you.”
Laying as still as she could to pretend to sleep. She continued this strange conversation with her brother.
“Wow Caden. But how?”
“I have no idea sis. What trouble have you gotten yourself into now?”
Grunting she rolled her eyes internally saying.
“I didn’t get myself into this.”
Hearing her brother chuckle as she spoke.
“I was taken by some creepy guy. He’s got me in some kind of prison cell. There is only a slit of a window nearer the ceiling, and a wall of thick bars.”
She tried to project the image cell to him as she described it to him. Her shoulders were really starting to ache. Trying to rotate she couldn’t tell if she was moving them, the numbness firing through her limbs was too great. She had long ago lost feeling in her fingers.
With brotherly concern he asked.
“What’s wrong sis?”
Might as well be honest, she thought to which he replied.
“Yes you should. Now do tell.”
“My arms are tied behind my back, and secured to the floor. My shoulders hurt, and I’ve lost all feeling in my fingers.”
Fierce growling could be heard echoing in her heard.
“What else Harlow? No lies, remember only the truth.”
“I have something he believes is his, and if I want my suffering to end, I have to give him what he wants.”
