Page 101 of Shift of Morals
At Caelan’s and Gianna’s nods, the two clasped hands. I ignored the clench of my stomach and kept my expression neutral.
Hazel’s words swept over the small chapel, a strange wind rustling our hair as she invoked the gods, inviting one to come forward and offer their blessing. A moment later, I smelled ice and wind, and a rush of cold air blew over my shoulder before it stopped abruptly, all the magic in the air sucked out like it had never been there. I glanced up to see Hazel’s pinched mouth and a furrow between her brows. She cleared her throat. “Perhaps I should try again.”
Gianna shifted uncomfortably, her face pale and wan.
What was going on? There was no blessing, and whatever presence had started to come in had abruptly left. From Hazel’s expression, that was not the way it was supposed to happen.
The smell of ancient forests and glens roared through the room, extinguishing all the candles. “No need, witch,” a familiar voice said.
Oh no. I almost turned around before a tight grip on my hand reminded me to stay still. Hazel.
Cernunnos, king of the fae, came into my line of sight. Hazel and everyone else sucked in a shocked breath. I gave him a raised eyebrow look. Cernunnos winked and sauntered up to the altar. He reached out with a bronzed finger and touched the petal of the apricot blossom.
“Stunning,” he murmured.
Had the fae king purposely shoved another god out of the way to be here?
Surely not.
That would be madness.
Right?
The king turned his attention to Caelan. “Your florist is immensely talented and powerful. You must give me her name.”
I choked on a cough.
Caelan’s forehead wrinkled. “Uh. Certainly. But she’s standing right beside you.”
Wicked humor glinted in his eyes as he turned back to me. He inclined his head, sharp antlers glowing with bioluminescent moss.
“Are you enjoying yourself?” I hissed in a whisper as I bowed to the king.
“Very much so,” he responded.
When I rose, Cernunnos held his palm out, forcing me to place my hand in his. Power snapped against my skin. “It is rare when someone can manage to bring out nature’s true, rawbeauty. You have unparalleled talent. I would be honored to host you in my halls one day.”
I blinked at him.
Go with it,his voice echoed in my mind.
“Um.” I licked my lips, shoving down the hysterical laugh threatening to bubble over. “It would be my honor, sire.”
Do not interfere in what happens next, Evangeline.
I stiffened, the words making my worst fears come true, even as a sliver of hope slid through my heart. Why?
It is between me and your Lord.
He is not my Lord.Who knew a mental voice could sound so salty?
“I will be in touch,” Cernunnos said before he turned his attention back to Gianna and Caelan.
Cernunnos. Don’t do this.
They are not meant to be.
It doesn’t mean they shouldn’t marry.
