The Aftermath
“Lugh was our best option,” the god said.
“Her magic is unpredictable,” another said. “We should have better prepared for the eventualities.”
“Few are immune to illusion,” yet another pondered. “There is much we don’t know about the Chimera.”
“Brute force might be a better solution next time.” The first rubbed his hand over his chin, a thoughtful expression on his face.
“Will there be a next time?” the second god asked.
“There is a reason the Chimera numbers were decimated almost to extinction all those years ago,” the first mused. “They can be killed.”
“They seek power,” the third added. “That cannot be allowed to happen.”
Another stepped into the room, a being of golden light. “Fools,” she chided. “She is not merely a Chimera. You could have chosen any other place to begin your idiotic war, but you failed to do even the most basic homework.”
“We can take on Cernunnos, too,” the first said, fury in his eyes at the chiding tone in the last arrival’s voice. “Now that his daughter has taken the crown, his power begins to wane.”
“And Cliona?” the woman drawled. “The goddess who is not only Queen of Banshees? She is perhaps even more dangerous than Cernunnos, and she is Evie’s mother. None of you understand how fiercely a mother will fight to protect her young.”
The third scoffed. “She hated the girl up until recently. The only reason Cliona is with her now is because of her crown.”
The last god shook her head and let out a soft laugh.
“If you believe that, you are far more foolish than I expected.” She reached over and tapped a pale pink nail on the stone table the others sat around.
“The new queen commands loyalty far easier than any of you wretches ever have. Be happy with the peace the fae and mortals have obtained and do not continue pushing to reclaim your former glory.”
“And if we do not?” the second asked, a more thoughtful look on his face than before.
A wicked smile curved her lips. “Then you will find out exactly how far a furious woman will go to save those she loves.”