Chapter 6
Mari vaguely heard her mother’s voice as her upper body was lifted and the ground trembled.
“You may not realize it now, but everyone you’ve touched within your life has been for a reason—even Saul. You were with Saul to show you your humanity, to teach you that humans are worth living and fighting for no matter what. Do not let his death be in vain. Do not let your love for Rhys be wasted. You must fight for what you want to keep. Everything you have had to bear until this time has been to strengthen you and make you the person you are, Mari. You can beat the darkness. You can do what’s needed to save this land, to save yourself and your father,” Darina said as she hugged her daughter. “You need to feed, Mari, please feed from me, please don’t die yet, it’s not your time. Mariwen!”
Mari parted her cold lips as flesh pressed against them. The warm coppery taste of blood dripped onto her tongue as Kalana’s healing energies worked on her wound. Groaning, she suckled softly, weakened by her condition, and twitched as the blood, her mother’s blood, flowed through her, healing and bringing her life back.
* * * *
Mari roared as she jumped up from her mother’s arms. Glancing down she noticed her wound had disappeared.
“Mari?”
“I’m fine, thanks, mom.”
“He’s heading toward the sea, he’s going after Rhys.”
“Then that will be his last mistake.” She turned her head when Darina grabbed her arm.
“Do not lose focus.”
“No fears there. I’m through playing.” Stepping to the open field, Mari tossed her arms out letting the change take hold. She roared with anger as she flapped her mighty wings and soared toward her mate.
* * * *
Rhys doubled over, groaning as he landed on his knees. “Mari,” he whispered, glancing toward the area where Roven Manor would be. The gut wrenching pain told him she was in trouble, bad trouble.
“My lord?”
“Mari, I have to get to her.” Rhys made a motion to leave, but a hand held him down. He glanced up and met Hoag’s gaze.
“No, Ancient Darina ordered me not to let you go near the fight.”
“She’s in trouble, Hoag, she’s hurt.”
“I’m sorry, but I can’t let you.”
Rhys rose, staring his security chief down. He glanced over to see Galen and Roven Manor’s security force behind Hoag. “I can’t let her die!”
“Mari can take care of herself,” Galen said.
“You don’t understand! She’s dying!” Rhys yelled, his anger initiating his change to full vampire shift. He growled, ready to strike down his fellow fighters, when he felt his body thump as if a large heartbeat sped through him. He turned, staring at the horizon. “Something’s coming.” Stepping forward, his eyes widened as he turned his head. “Full battlement, now! The darkness is coming!”
“You need to come with me now,” Hoag said as he grabbed Rhys’ arm.
Rhys yanked his arm from Hoag’s grip. “I will not run.”
“If what you say is true and Lady Mari is down, then how do you expect to fight the evil one? You need to get out of his path and take cover!”
“He will find me wherever I go if I’m the one he’s after. I will not run!” Rhys growled. Unsheathing his weapons he strode to the front line beside Galen. “Ready arms!” When the black cloud appeared on the field heading toward them, Rhys breathed deeply. “I love you, Mari,” he whispered. Rhys turned his attention back to his fellow fighters. “Keep the line, do not back down. We can all give him a good fight. I have faith in all of you!” Roaring with anger, Rhys stepped forward in an all-out run, listening as the security legion behind followed him into battle.
Rhys was the first one to connect swords with the creature of a man the darkness had turned into.
“So this face does nothing for you?” Olipisies asked. “Too bad for poor Mariwen, she took one glance and let her guard down.”
Rhys slashed his sword. It didn’t matter what combination he used, the creature blocked him effortlessly. “Where is she?” he yelled.
Olipisies laughed. “Dead. Right where you’re going to be.”
His heartbeat stopped, dread ran through his veins like ice water. His face contorted as he snarled, anger leading him into an attack.
“I guess she didn’t tell you—this was her first husband and true love, Saul.”
“Do not think to play head games with me, creature!” Rhys said as he deflected several blows. He knew Mari loved him, he knew she had loved Saul. He also knew their souls were mated and her love he would never doubt. Rhys flew back from a wind-style attack, grunting as he slid across the ground.