Chapter 20
Chapter Twenty
T he McRainey estates buzzed with an unusual energy as people from far and wide came for the grand gathering of people with arcane talents. Hoping for progress in breaking the curses, or even for one of the men to feel a pull to someone, Sabrina and Gwen had poured themselves into every meticulous detail, working tirelessly for days, preparing for what lay ahead.
Gavin and Tristan dove into the very memories that haunted them and had thrown themselves into every conversation, piecing together their first encounter with Meliot and the meetings with the arcane beings they’d sought out—the witches, warlocks, and enchantresses whose magic held both hope and mystery.
Despite the sleepless nights and fraying nerves, a fierce determination gripped everyone in the house. They were fatigued but unyielding and had steeled themselves to face whatever challenge lay ahead. They would do whatever it took to free the three men still bound in the alter-world.
As Gavin and Tristan approached the main house, the faint hum of voices and laughter began to fade, signaling the end of the gathering. From the shadows, they watched as guests trickled away.
The last few guests called out their goodbyes, voices laced with camaraderie of what they had in common.
“I hope they discovered something useful or that Naill or Padriag felt a something,” Gavin mused as they watched from a safe distance.
Tristan nodded.
Gavin noted that Sabrina remained at the area where they’d gathered, speaking to a petite blonde. She nodded at something the woman said, then threw her head back and laughed.
He’d not seen her so relaxed and unguarded in a long time. With the perfect setting of the gentle breeze shifting her hair away from her face, she was a welcome sight. They all deserved a respite from all that occurred. Unfortunately, any opportunity was scant with the challenges they faced.
Suddenly Liam appeared and both he and Tristan looked to him with expectation.
“Were you the lucky one that felt the pull to come?” Tristan asked.
The Englishman gave a one-shouldered shrug. “I did not, but I do find it easier than usual to will myself here and back.”
“What of the others?” Gavin asked impatiently.
“They did not feel a pull either, as far as we could tell. Padriag perhaps, but we think he is just eager.”
If Padriag was freed before Niall and Liam, it would be very dangerous as they’d no longer have his wards in place to keep them safe.
Gavin started to ask about Niall but didn’t. If Niall had felt any sort of urgency, Liam would have told them. Instead he motioned toward the house.
“All of those gathered today met here on the estate, then they split into three groups. Each one concentrating on a different man by turn to make it easier to distinguish which person compelled whom.”
They began walking toward the house and Gavin hung back to speak softly to Liam. “Have you considered speaking to John again?”
Liam shook his head. “I am not sure about him being the one who will save me, although he is persistent in helping. Of course I am willing to try.” Liam didn’t meet Gavin’s gaze.
“You must try.”
Liam nodded.
Their friend must have overheard because Tristan turned and met Liam’s gaze. “John is here. I agree with Gavin in that you should spend more time with him.”
When they arrived at the house, John appeared, as if summoned. He stopped short at the door and moved back so that they could enter.
When his regard landed on Liam, his cheeks pinkened. “I was about to come and get you. The gathering just ended.”
“We saw,” Gavin said. “We were discussing that it may be possible that you are the one who will break Liam’s curse.”
Once again the younger man lifted his gaze to Liam and visibly swallowed. “I—er...I did write down the beginnings of a spell ...”
“Unfortunately, I cannot leave the alter-world yet,” Liam interrupted. “I am the only one who can leave from inside the keep. It has become more and more dangerous. We are surrounded constantly, unable to go outside without the possibility of being speared through.”
Both Gavin and Tristan were speechless at Liam’s selflessness. Gavin spoke first. “Things are bad then?”
Liam nodded. “Aye, Meliot’s horsemen are back. Not only that, but the wizard must have sensed your departure, because the surroundings have totally changed, the woods are gone now; the entire area around the keep is barren, like a desert. We don’t know how far it goes.”
Gavin’s heart sank.
“Padriag has tried without success to summon the royals of Atlandia. He makes a sport of throwing fireballs at the horsemen, as they have no place to hide. Today he only stopped because a centaur shot an arrow at him, barely missing the side of his head.”
“Can you possibly help them leap here?” Tristan asked. “That will allow for each to be able to come if they feel the pull to an enchantress.”
“I tried with Paddy, but it did not work. When I leaped with Gwen I was able to, so I am not sure if it’s because he’s enchanted, or because of Meliot’s wards.”
“We will have to find out if we can help them be able to travel from inside the keep with the help of those who possess magic,” Tristan said.
As if on cue, Sabrina and Gwen came through the doorway. When they spotted the men, they stopped talking. Both ran to Liam hugging him tightly and kissing his cheeks.
“Oh good, you are here. Does this mean you are the next one to be free? Did you feel the pull?” The women spoke over each other excitedly.
“I am not sure,” Liam replied, his face softening at the women’s attentions. Gavin understood. Missing the touch of other humans was one of the things they spoke of often during the many years in captivity. Although lucky to have each other, it was not the same as being hugged and kissed by loved ones.
After giving another few hugs to Liam, the women went to John next and began talking about the formulation of the perfect spell. All of the men in the room exchanged questioning looks as it seemed the women assumed it was John who would free Liam.
“Tell the others how hard we are trying,” Gavin told Liam. “As you can see everyone is doing what they can to help free the three of you.”
Tristan gave Liam a searching look. “I understand your reluctance to leave before the others, but we have to consider that if there is an order to things, we must follow it.”
Liam considered for a long moment how strange it was that perhaps the handsome man, John, was who he was meant to be with. Each time he was in the same room with John, a longing took over that he did his best to ignore.
If he wasn’t meant to be freed, he wasn’t sure he’d be able to withstand the heartache that allowing himself to grow close to John would bring.
In truth, there was a possibility it was already too late. The effort it took to drag his gaze away from John proved how strong the bond between them could grow.
As John spoke with the women, his head bent over notes, Liam took the opportunity to study his profile. He was attractive, in a scholarly fashion, with disheveled wavy dark hair, soft greyish eyes and dark slants for eyebrows.
A bit shorter than Liam, John was of slender build, perfect for the protector in Liam to hold.
Just then, he realized Gavin was speaking and then turned to listen. “...I do not know if we are to truly be forever with the person who breaks our spells, but we will owe them a lifetime of gratitude.”
Sabrina looked over at Gavin, taking him in with an expression of uncertainty considering the furrow that formed between her brows.
“What is happening between you two?” Liam finally asked, having seen the exchange. “Is something wrong?”
“Nothing is wrong Liam,” Gavin told him, moving to pour another drink. “Tell me, are you sure Niall did not feel anything? I worry about him. He has stated on several occasions that he does not wish to leave the alter-world, but instead prefers to remain and perish at the end of the enchantment. To join his family.”
Apparently, speaking about Sabrina was off limits.
“I wonder the same. If he sensed anything, he hid it well,” Liam replied.
“Tell Paddy we will find who his enchantress is. You should speak with John and make plans for yourself before you have to return.”
“Can we talk?” Liam asked approaching John. The man nodded and together they walked from the room and into the library.
Once they entered, John placed the notebook he carried on a table and looked up at him.
He was attracted to John, there was no denying it. Everything about the man made him want to hold him close, to kiss him. Liam cleared his throat and looked to the book.
“You said you had part of a spell written?”
Just the thought of being freed made him want to spirit himself away, back to the alter-world. Better the devil one knew and all of that.
Seeming to sense Liam’s sudden thoughts of wishing to leave, John took his hand and led him to sit. “Tell me, what are you thinking? I want to help you, but I sense reluctance on your part.” The man’s gaze met his.
“I am needed there. I do not want to lose the opportunity to be freed, but at the same time, how can I come here and leave them behind?”
John’s lips curved into a soft smile. “I was told that above all, you are honorable and loyal.”
Squeezing John’s hand, Liam wished it was more than just a touch. The war within him raged and he had to pull his hand away. “I am not sure about anything. How I feel. What should I do? I never dared to dream the opportunity would come for me to be freed, and now I find I am unprepared.”
“This may be the one time you will have to put yourself first. This may be part of your curse, to break your own rules of honor.” John searched his face. “The obstacles of your curse are that you allow yourself freedom to be your true self. What is the other half?”
“A betrayal,” Liam said past a knot forming in his throat.
Liam couldn’t pull his eyes away, he was definitely deeply attracted to John. He couldn’t deny it. “I must go soon. Can I ask that you remain here in this house? I understand it is a great deal to ask.”
Straightening his glasses, John pondered. “I suppose I can ask Tristan if it’s all right.”
“Tristan will agree with you staying.” Seeing the look of uncertainty cross John’s features, he felt selfish for asking John to bring his life to a standstill for him. “I am sorry John. I have not taken into consideration that perhaps you are not emotionally free.” His stomach pitched waiting for John’s reply.
“There is no one. I do have the bookstore; it’s my livelihood, well besides my book sales. I am a writer and have actually made a name for myself. I write fantasy romance.” With a chuckle he shook his head. “I am so writing this story.”
Liam wasn’t sure what the man went on about. When they had more time, he would get to know everything about John. At the moment, there were more pressing matters.
“I don’t know what I can offer you in exchange for your willingness to wait for me, perhaps to give us an opportunity to get to know each other.” Liam said annoyed at the hopeful tone of his voice.
John took his hand again, this time sending a jolt of passion, attraction and desire through Liam. The sensations were so strong, his body seemed to hum. For the first time in his long life it was as if his soul reacted to finding its mate. How was this possible? He’d longed for Gavin for so many years and not once had his entire being reacted so strongly.
Without thought, Liam leaned toward John and cupped his face. “Can I kiss you?”
John nodded, his eyes locking to his for a moment before moving to Liam’s lips.
When he took John’s mouth with his, Liam almost cried at the awareness of being with who he was meant to be with. He pushed harder, his tongue deep in John’s mouth, tasting, probing, taking.
For his part, John raked his fingers through Liam’s hair pressing closer, responding to the kiss with soft moans.
They broke the kiss and pressed their foreheads together, neither willing to move away first.
The tug to return to the alter-world was hard to ignore, but just as difficult was the need to stay with John for a moment longer.
“I will work on the spell,” John said in a hoarse whisper. “I am certain to finish it soon, then we can try it. If I am not the one who is to be your partner, then we will find out who is.”
Of course it was him. Liam was certain of it.
The other part of his curse was a hard one to break. Once the spell was written, a challenge would come in which Liam would have to put honor aside. To do so would be a betrayal to every oath he’d uttered upon becoming a knight to King James.
When John leaned forward and timidly pressed a soft kiss on his lips Liam responded immediately. When they kissed, it was as if everything ceased to exist, the problems, the curses, the entrapment. In that moment, it was just them, and the sensations only pleasure.
Liam met John’s gaze. “Thank you. For everything. I do not know what else to say.”
“I will wait for you and together we will work hard to free all three of you. I promise.”
“I do not have anything to offer you,” Liam began, but choked and couldn’t continue speaking.
How was it possible to be so fortunate? Liam fought past the many emotions overcoming him. Not only the possibility to escape the entrapment, but the opportunity to openly be himself. Even if he never escaped, this moment with John would be in his memory forever. He hugged John close.
“Thank you,” Liam repeated.
John sighed and wrapped his arms around Liam. “You don’t have to offer me anything. I will wait. My sister will be more than happy to take over for me at the shop. She is always begging me to let her, telling me to take a holiday. She will be more than happy to have an excuse to get out of the house and be around people.”
Liam stood, this time feeling the strongest tug back to the alter-world. “I must leave.”
“I’ll be here when you return.” John told him as he disappeared.
Back in the alter-world Liam filled Niall and Padriag in on what had transpired. He purposely did not divulge the possibility of his enchantment coming to an end. Neither man would give him rest, urging him to return to the other realm at every opportunity.
“So did you get a look at the people gathered?” Padriag asked. “Was there a blonde there? She will be the one with a small birthmark over her lip. Right here.” He pressed a finger just above his lip.
“Most of the magics were gone when I arrived.”
Padriag grunted. “You should have gone sooner.”
“If someone meant for either of you was there, you would have sensed it. Did you?”
Both shook their heads.
“I tried to go but couldn’t from inside the keep. I’m working on it, but Niall refuses to help me. I’ve tested opening a portal to the other side. Then all Naill has to do is will himself there. He won’t even try.” Padriag gave Niall a pointed look.
“I do not plan to leave,” Niall stood and walked from the room.
Padriag watched Niall’s retreat before looking to Liam. “If I leave, and you leave, what will happen to Niall?”
“I will stay here. I cannot leave him,” Liam told Padriag, who frowned still looking towards the stairs.
“Shit, I guess I’ll stay too.”
Liam looked at the young knight. “No Paddy. You will leave when beckoned. I will speak with Niall.”
He climbed the stairway, his thoughts going back to John. His lips instantly curved at recalling their short time together. The hardest part of staying in the alter-world would be never finding out what awaited him with John, but most importantly, he’d made an oath to the men he’d been with for hundreds of years. To be loyal, defend them and never leave one behind.
Niall’s door was open, he peered in spotting the large man sitting on a chair, leaning forward, his face in his hands.
Not wanting to take Niall by surprise, he rapped at the door. Niall straightened, his grey eyes flat when meeting his. “What is it?”
“I am ensuring you are well.” Liam hesitated, at the lack of invitation, but walked in anyway.
“I am fine,” Niall replied.
Liam sat, not speaking. Over the years all of them had become accustomed to Niall’s silent way.
Noticing lines around Niall’s eyes, Liam wondered if the man was not sleeping. “You are tired. Can I get you something?”
“Nay, thank you.”
“What do you think about when you consider the rest of us leaving you behind?”
For a long time, Niall was silent. They sat in the quiet comfort of the room for a long while, and just when Liam thought the man wouldn’t reply, Nail let out a long sigh.
“I welcome the thought that you will all be freed from here and begin your lives anew.”
Ensuring he kept his voice even, Liam leaned forward and looked his friend in the eyes. “What about you? I sense your enchantress comes. She will be here soon.”
“How many times have I repeated over the years. I do not wish to be free, Liam,” Niall insisted. “Do not pursue it.”
“Niall, you are still young, can have many years of good life with a partner, perhaps even have more children.” Liam’s voice hoarse with emotion. “Do not let Meliot do this to you.”
Niall stood and stalked to the door. “Leave Liam. I do not wish to discuss it further.”
He didn’t move. “What is the real reason you prefer to remain in this horrible place? Niall, you would die here alone.”
Niall went to him and grabbed him the front of his shirt, bringing his face up to his. The man’s lips curved into a mirthless smile.
“With all your foresight, you should see clearly that I am already dead. I died the day I came here.” With that, he shoved him out the door slamming it behind him.
Liam stood looking at the door. How would he be able to leave Nail behind?
“You are not staying here Niall,” he called through the door. “I will not allow it.”