Page 137 of Broken Veil
Donna was there, pressing a finger to her lips. “Listen before all else. Your time will be brief. Trust the shepherd and trust yourself.”
Lakshmi leaned forward and presented a teacup. “Drink and wake, Carys Morgan. Time runs swiftly, and the worlds within the worlds begin to blur.”
Carys blinkedand was in the van, sitting in the back seat with Angus beside her.
“Is she awake yet?”
“Yes.” She cleared her throat. “Where are we going?”
“I’ve told Duncan where to go,” Angus said.
“It’s a sea cave, lass.”
“A sea cave?” She blinked and tried to sit up, but her entire body felt heavy.
“Never thought you were one for tattoos, but it suits you,” Duncan said.
“What?”
Angus touched her shoulder. “Don’t touch it. It’ll settle.”
Carys glanced down and saw the edge of a braided design, glowing red-hot beneath her skin.
“To the rest of them, it’ll look like ink,” Angus whispered. “Only those with eyes to see will know the Mothers’ mark.”
Carys nodded. “We’re going to Annwn?”
“We’re going as close as I’m permitted.” Angus shook his head. “But she should be able to reach you.”
Carys understood more than she knew. “I’m not going to talk to Seren, am I?”
“No, you are not.”
The rest of the drive passed in silence as Duncan took a twisting coastal road around the southern edge of the Gower Peninsula, driving past small seaside villages and bright beaches filled with holiday makers.
It was midmorning, and the air was crisp and cool.
“Turn right here,” Angus said.
The world around Carys was a blur of blue and green. She could smell the salt air and a metallic tinge that she suspected came from the heated metal under her skin.
“Up this road?” Duncan asked. “This isn’t even a road, man.”
“It’s where we need to go.”
The way grew rocky, and the van bumped along what felt more like a goat trail than a road. Carys heard waves crashing in the distance, echoing along the rocks that jutted from the earth’s crust where the ocean met the land.
“Here.”
“There’s no car park here,” Duncan said. “It’s just a wide spot in the road.”
“Because no one comes here, you idiot,” Angus said. “Stop the car and get out. I need your help for the first part.”
Carys felt like her body was weighed down with sand. She felt everything, but it was nearly impossible to move. Even lifting her legs to get out of the van when Duncan opened the door was a monumental effort.
“Come here, lass.” His gruff voice was as soft as it could be. “I’ll carry you.”
“I’m heavy.” It took effort to speak too. As if her tongue were weighted like her legs.
