Chapter 28
Chapter
Twenty-Eight
When we turned the corner, Rowan took off running. He was at my side in an instant, his arms reaching out to scoop me up in a fierce hug. The bond tugged between us, bright and warm. His hand tangled in my hair, a shudder of relief shaking his shoulder.
“Evie. Thank the gods. Are you alright?”
Caelan huffed. “I’d never harm Evie.”
Rowan spun with me in his arms, his eyes glowing with fury. “You hurt her all the godsdamn time when she lived here.”
Ethan put a warning hand on Rowan’s shoulder.
Caelan sighed. “I’m well aware of what I’ve done, and I know my actions are unforgivable.”
“Caelan—”
His gaze flicked to me. “Unforgivable to your mate, I should say. Your tender heart has once again given me more than I deserve.”
Ethan frowned. “And your silver tongue doesn’t hurt.”
Caelan grinned. “I’m afraid Evie has planted a permanent structure on my property. Mind sticking around for a little while? I’ve summoned the Keep mages to tend to the wounded. Though I’m not sure anyone is wounded anymore, thanks to Evie.”
“They’re all unconscious,” Ethan said, giving me an odd look. “We saw the moment Evie started working.”
“Like magic,” Rowan said dryly.
“Let me check on them. Please stay. We need to look at the tree Evie summoned.”
Rowan blinked. “Another tree?”
“Mmm. Yes. It was the only thing I could think of that had room to put everyone.”
Rowan and Ethan both stared at me confused.
“I’ll explain when we get there.”
Caelan was back in less than a minute, relief all over his expression. “The healers said they expect everyone to wake up in a few days. They’ve asked me to extend my thanks.”
“Where were your mages when Titania and Danu came onto your lands?” Ethan asked.
“I have very few left and couldn’t afford to risk them. They were instructed to stay put until I called for them.” His expression darkened. “Or until they felt me die.”
Ethan looked around Caelan’s Keep. “Things are that dire then.”
Caelan nodded. “I made my bed.”
“You sure did,” Rowan muttered.
I tightened my grip on his waist. “Just for tonight can we try to be at peace?”
Rowan glanced down at me. “Like Caelan, I appreciate your tender heart. Unlike you, I will never forgive him for what he did to you.”
I reached up and touched his face. “You don’t have to. But civility would be nice.”
Rowan’s lips thinned before he nodded. “Fine. You have ten minutes, Caelan.”
Ethan chuckled. “Show us this tree, Evie. I’m all atwitter with curiosity.”
The tree was massive and gnarled and had strange leaves resembling a toilet brush. It loomed above us and sparkled with a mix of crimson, gold, and watermelon tourmaline magic—Caelan and my power combined.
“That thing is quite ugly,” Rowan observed.
I smacked him gently on the chest. “What did the tree ever do to you?”
“I’m with Rowan.” Ethan shook his head. “You’ll be glad it’s at the back of the property. The thing is an eyesore.”
“Rude,” I huffed.
Caelan’s look held mild amusement, and I could tell he was thinking along the same lines as the other two.
“Alright, assholes,” I growled. “The bristlecone pine is one of the longest-lived trees on the planet. Records hold some of them at almost 5,000 years old. I had to find something old and strong enough to hold those bonds, and this was the one and only thing I thought might stand a chance.”
I gestured at the admittedly hideous tree. “And I was right.”
I crossed my arms and glared at all of them.
Caelan laughed. “I’m grateful, Evie. But you have to admit, it is pretty ugly.”
“Yes, well. You are welcome.”
I turned and placed my hand on the gnarled trunk. All the bonds were there and content. “There are other trees on the boundaries of the other Lords’ properties. I plan to ask permission to move them inside their borders when I have extra time.”
Rowan’s expression cleared. “Oh shit. Evie. You have to maintain these, don’t you?”
His brows drew together, and he shot Caelan a dark look.
I hurried to explain. “Not often. The atmosphere is the most delicate part. This tree prefers high elevation and limestone-rich soil. I’ll need to ensure the right mix of nutrients and atmosphere, but I think I’ll be able to maintain the rest at a distance.
Since this one is the anchor tree, it may require an in-person visit, maybe once or twice a year. ”
Rowan looked furious. “You just can’t let go, can you?”
“It was my decision,” I said. “If Caelan held onto those bonds…” My voice trailed off. “Let’s just say, this was necessary.”
Ethan had a thoughtful look on his face. “Your gift enslaves people,” he murmured.
Caelan looked away, his jaw tightening. “A small percentage, which is why I almost never use the power.”
“Evie won’t always be around to fix things for you.” Rowan’s eyes were glowing again.
Caelan held up his hands. “I’m well aware. Can we not fight anymore, please? I’m exhausted, and I’m sure Evie is, too.”
He looked at me and placed his hand over his heart. “I’ll call you when they wake up. Thank you again. You’ve given me a gift I can never repay.”
I dipped my head. “You’re welcome.”
Caelan turned to go. “See yourselves off. I’m going to bed.”
“Someone needs to take care of Titania, ASAP. Do not leave her lying on the ground for long. Danu is gone, but I wouldn’t put anything past her. Behead her, then burn her to ash.”
Ethan’s stoic face widened into a wicked grin. “Sometimes I think you’re more bloodthirsty than we are.”
“Titania has risen from the dead once,” I grumbled. “No reason to risk fate again.”
Caelan nodded and walked away, leaving us standing next to the ugly tree.
Ethan waited until he was out of earshot. “Why’d you do it?”
He didn’t sound angry or annoyed, only curious.
“The thought of enslaving his people devastated him. I did the only thing I could.”
Ethan crossed his arms over his chest. “Moira and everyone else are with the healers. I’ll text them and let them know you’re back.”
He looked at Rowan. “Mind if I crash at the Keep tonight?”
“Of course. We have a few empty apartments. Hope will show you when we get back.”
Rowan wrapped his arm around my waist and buried his nose in my hair. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be.” How could I be mad at him? My ex-boyfriend had all but commandeered me to speak to him while under the influence of an unholy power that might have gotten us all killed.
“Are we good?” he murmured.
“One hundred percent,” I promised.
Dad returned with everyone in tow, got a gander at the tree, snorted and barked, “Let’s get the hell out of here.”
Seconds later, we were home.