Page 36 of A Celtic Vow
Fortunately, he did it quickly, and she wore brown linen pants and a red tunic seconds later.
“Thank you.”
She knew by the desire that flashed in his eyes when he nodded once in return, that he had, in fact, caught a glimpse of her body.
“This way.” He took her hand, clearly grateful he was able to manifest a fiery orb that shed light on an exit toward the back she hadn’t realized was there. “You’ll want to walk with great care and watch every step because ‘tis slick with moisture. Oftentimes even icy.”
It turned out he wasn’t kidding about how little space there was, as the exit led to a narrow path pancaked by rock. If not for the orb, light would have been non-existent because carrying a torch was impossible.
“I take it your magic’s starting to behave better?” she said, making conversation to distract herself as they sidled through the tight area. She knew Aodh’s and his brothers’ magic had started to falter before she and her sisters traveled back. She was also aware that his brothers’ powers had been resurrected when they reunited with her sisters. “I felt your relief that your orb worked.” She couldn’t keep amusement from her voice. “Even though you didn’t seem worried that chanting me into new clothes might falter.”
“Nay.” He winked at her over his shoulder. “Whilst I might be fine with remaining nothing more than friends if ‘tis your wish, I’m not foolish.”
She appreciated his levity because the way only grew darker. More cloying. As if a piece of her was being smothered. Tucked away from the world. Ripped of all oxygen.
“Are you all right.” His brows furrowed, and the corners of his mouth tugged down when he stopped and looked back at her again. “Because we don’t need to go on.”
“But we do.” She inhaled deeply and worked to gather her emotions. “I’m sure of it. I’m sure that....” What? Because this feeling was very specific. “That what I’m feeling now is the pulling sensation I felt earlier, only a thousand times stronger. Like I’m being yanked forward by a massive magnet.”
“A magnet that’s affecting your ability to breathe and making your skin pale.” He shook his head. “I don’t like it. We should go back.”
“But we won’t.” She searched his eyes. Hoped he understood turning back wasn’t an option. Shehadto keep going. “I need to get as close to the base of the tree as I can, Aodh.”
His gaze lingered on her face for a few moments before he finally nodded and continued on. Helped her down steep portions until he stopped at a dead end with an opening at the base of a rock wall.
“I’ll hop down then help you.” Aodh gave her a warning look. “Then it gets especially tight.”
She nodded she was okay with that before he vanished into the hole, then called up for her to follow. The drop wasn’t that far, so she sat, then sort of shimmied until he caught her legs and pulled her down. When he did, his orb sputtered out.
“What happened?” she asked before something miraculous happened.
Something she never expected.
Chapter Twelve
“OH, WOW,” CONSTANCEgasped in awe, blinking into the pitch black. “I can see!” She shook her head, wide-eyed. “And it’s beautiful.”
