An Immortal Descent

Her smile held a hint of sadness. “They are together, Selah, and would wish for nothing more than your truest happiness.”

 

 

I would never forget the last sight of my grandparents in the cavern, the tenderness in Tom’s large arms as he held Cate close, their love tangible in how it bound them together. Henry and I stood on the threshold of something equally beautiful, and it seemed the only way to repay their sacrifice was by taking that final step.

 

Or was it the first?

 

Sean cleared his throat, coming toward us. Henry met him, his body angled to protect me. I tensed, not sure what to expect when he extended a hand to Henry. “Welcome...brother.”

 

His words soared in my heart.

 

Henry accepted, and the next moment I found myself in Sean’s arms. “Forgive me, Sabie,” he whispered.

 

I nodded against his neck. “We’ll start anew.” We had to or the past three years would remain an insurmountable mountain between us.

 

Sean stepped back with a wide grin. “Let’s get these two married!”

 

Loud cheers erupted from our small party. “Say you’ll do it,” Marin called out above the others. My brother grinned his approval.

 

Slowly, I trailed a look at everyone present, both human and god alike, and realized that piece by piece my family was coming back together.

 

Justine laughed. “How long are you to keep us in suspense? Just say yes, and we’ll have you wedded and bedded before nuncheon.” She winked at me. “How you fill the time between then and supper is entirely up to you, though I do have a few suggestions.”

 

Henry’s eyes caught mine, the green depths alight with promise. “Be my wife, Selah. For now, for always, say you’ll be mine.”

 

Happiness swelled inside me, so intense I would burst if I didn’t find release. “I’ll do it,” I said, swaying into him, “this very minute before anything else can get in the way.”

 

“Smart woman,” he murmured.

 

Brigid laughed, light as butterfly wings. “Selah Ni Brid,” she said, substituting the older Gaelic name. “Do you bind yourself to Anraí O’Lughnane?”

 

I stared at Henry. “Yes, I do.”

 

“Anraí O’Lughnane,” Lugh said next. “Do you bind yourself to Selah Ni Brid?”

 

“Yes, I do.” His deep voice sent a warm shiver straight through me.

 

“Then join your hands,” Brigid said.

 

Henry threaded his fingers through mine. Lugh looked between us. “To each, you give your body, your heart and your soul. From this moment forward, two become one, joined by love, bound by law.”

 

My breath hitched as fire surged through me, an invisible thread that linked our wrists. It wound around our hearts next, drawing them closer until I felt them beat as one. Then our souls, an eternal binding that would never be broken.

 

*

 

Brigid smiled. “It is almost done. What remains is for you alone.”

 

I looked at her, fairly certain what she meant, but unwilling to voice it aloud with so many people present.

 

Henry felt no such compunction. “Then let us be for the inn.” He dipped his head and whispered for only me to hear. “We have unfinished business in the bathing chamber.”

 

My skin warmed at the suggestion. “Are you speaking of a bath?” I whispered back. “Or the wrestling match you so wanted?”

 

“Both,” he near groaned, “though we’ve two hours to ride first.”

 

A low chuckle came from Lugh, and I blushed from the realization that he had overheard our exchange. Then again, being a god, he could have read our thoughts for all I knew. Which made me blush even harder.

 

“What say you, Brigid?” he asked. “Shall we help them along?”

 

“We could do nothing less for two so in love.” Merriment played in her voice. “Peace be with you, Daughter.” She clapped once, a sharp crack that vibrated from the ground into my torso. Light flashed, and in a blink Henry and I were standing alone.

 

His arm wrapped around my waist as he took in the new surroundings. “Do you know this place?”

 

Summer air bathed my face. Lush grass cushioned my feet, and I instinctively curled my bare toes into the ground. Power seeped into me similar to Brigid’s garden, except with an unfamiliar wildness to it.

 

Lightheaded, I turned into Henry, and his hands moved to my hips. “We must be near the Otherworld.”

 

“Is this how the gods bed a newly married couple?” Heat leapt in his eyes as he took in my altered appearance. “If so, I approve.”

 

Dark curls fell unbound to my waist, and a loose gown of pale blue silk replaced the damp wool. Henry had also been altered, his hair smoothed and his face clean-shaven. He wore breeches and a tunic similar to Lugh’s, yet his feet had also been left bare.

 

He looked every bit the descendant of the sun god. A soft glow emanated from his skin. The tunic pulled over the proud line of his shoulders to fall open to mid-sternum, and I bit my lip at the sight of his powerful chest.

 

His voice rumbled into me. With effort, I dragged my gaze up, only to be mesmerized by his green eyes. “Did you say something?”

 

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