Hunter Sacrificed by Corrigan Nancy

Author:Corrigan, Nancy [Corrigan, Nancy]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: celtic, Gods, Short Story, Wild Hunt, demons, free, Angels, prequel, fae
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Published: 2015-11-03T08:00:00+00:00

Chapter Three

Arms crossed, Arawn leaned against the wall and locked his gaze on the door leading to Minerva’s bathing chamber. Sometimes he joined her in the deep pools. Those encounters ended with them tangled in passion. Rarely did he have time to indulge in endless hours of loving his mate, no matter how much he longed for it. His duties and hers demanded their attentions.

Despite the pain it caused her, he hoped she embraced her obligations and their time apart would pass quickly. The less she dwelled on what he was doing, the better chance he had of gaining her forgiveness.

The rich, melodic sound of her singing reached him, pulling him back from his grim thoughts. Eyes closed, he allowed her voice to soothe him. She sang of true love, betrayal and the broken souls left behind.

Her song ended on a long, sorrowful note that pierced him as deeply as a knife. He pressed a balled fist to his chest, half expecting to feel blood soaking his tunic, but the wound wasn’t one she’d caused. He’d delivered it himself.

The tinkling sound of her silken, metallic hair announced her approach. He dropped his hand. The door opened, revealing his personal goddess. She stood wrapped in a shimmering silver gown. Head to toe, she sparkled.

He let his gaze roam over her. “You are beautiful.”

She inclined her head. “Thank you.”

With slow steps, she closed the distance between them. A few inches away, she stopped and met his gaze. “You told me you have a plan. What will you do that has caused you to feel guilt and worry? I see it in your eyes, felt it in the way you loved me and heard it in your voice.”

He’d been careful to block his thoughts, but it didn’t surprise him that she’d picked up on his unease. She knew him well.

“I need you to open a portal to the heavens.”

She licked her lips. “You plan on visiting the Triad.”

It’d been several millennia since he had. After accepting his role, he’d been cast into the Underworld and forgotten by all save the Archangels, who sometimes came to retrieve souls.

Until Minerva, that was.

“Yes. I need the deity’s help.”

“To defeat Dagda.”

He nodded.

She tipped her head to the side and narrowed her eyes. “And how will you do that?”

He opened his mouth, but no words came out. He’d planned their conversation and had prepared his arguments. Voicing them, however, proved harder than he’d anticipated.

“Tell me.” She stepped closer and laid her palm over his heart. “Please.”

“I will create an army capable of hunting him on the mortal world.”

She frowned. “You already have your hounds. They track those humans and fairies corrupted by Dagda’s chaotic taint.”

“Yes, but you have pointed out their greatest weakness by refusing to allow my dogs near your handmaiden. They hunt and kill without judgment or reasoning. They need someone to direct them.” He covered her delicate fingers. “Hunters who will act as my hand in battle and carry out my orders both in the Underworld and on the mortal realm.

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