“But what if I’m trapped there? Is that how I’m supposed to die? By becoming trapped? What if I succeed in killing him, but I can’t get back out because I’m mortal and can’t get back to my body?”
His arms squeezed the breath from her lungs. “Then I’ll stay. I’ll find a way to get you out—or I’ll stay.”
“In hell?” Her heart constricted at the thought of the man she loved trapped in hell with her soul.
“Do you think it hasn’t been hell here on earth without you? Hell is wherever you are no’.”
She gripped him fiercely in return. Could he possibly love her? “And if he kills me?”
“Won’t let him.” Determination flashed behind his eyes.
“But if he does, and I’m reincarnated as another person…you’ll wait for me, right? You’ll know me? You’ll make me remember us?”
Her throat tightened, a jagged rock lodged within. Once again, she didn’t speak of love, and neither did he. Everything was too fraught with emotion and tension to add it, but she couldn’t help but ask.
“Aye, I’ll always know you.” He crushed her mouth to his. She returned the desperation of his kiss, tangling her hands in his hair and welcoming the invasion of his tongue. He clutched her close and she poured her heart into him.
When they drew apart, she caught her breath. “You’ll let me do this, though? You won’t try to interfere as you did with Boudica?” If I’m destined to die, I might as well get a chance to save my friend and the world.
“You are the only one who can accomplish this task. But I’ll be there, should you need me.” She felt his muscles tighten beneath her.
“Then we need a plan. I’m a good fighter, thanks to my soul’s memories, but it’s no guarantee that I’ll win. So I need something clever to ensure my victory.”
And so she told him her plan, hoping he would agree.
Chapter 36
Her last morning on earth was clear and bright. The crisp autumn air was cold on her throat. God, it was good to be alive.
Diana turned to look at the man she loved. They’d risen early, before dawn. The sun was beginning to peek over the tops of the buildings as they walked down one of the sets of narrow stone stairs that wound through the city, a few errant leaves scraped along the ground in front of them. Autumn was nearly past now, and winter was on its way. She tried not to think of what that meant for her. But all of these unknown people she was trying to save had better appreciate it.
They hadn’t far to go, only to the base of the small cliff upon which both Edinburgh Castle and Cadan’s flat sat. As they stepped off the last stair and into the Grassmarket, a small district at the bottom of the stairs, the sun crept over the buildings and cast its warm glow on their intricate, soot-stained facades.
Diana wished that it would warm her the way that it warmed the buildings, but she didn’t think it would be that simple.
She reached for Cadan’s hand as they walked along the street at the base of the cliff. They were to meet Esha and Warren at the entrance to the underground and these would be her last few moments alone with Cadan when they wouldn’t be fighting for their lives. Maybe they should just turn and run for it and hope for the best.
Instead, she took a bracing breath.
Too soon, they came upon Esha and Warren, who stood a few feet apart near a crevice in the cliff’s side. She squeezed Cadan’s hand, then let go.
I can do this.
“So, you’re ready?” Esha asked. Her long, graceful form was slouched casually against the rock wall, but her face and eyes were serious.
“I am.” Diana was grateful that her voice was stronger than her stomach, but it was little consolation. She hadn’t been able to keep down her coffee this morning; was, in fact, barely able to comprehend that it might have been her last cup.
She felt Cadan’s hand squeeze her shoulder as if to keep her from trembling.
“Good. Here—” Esha stepped forward with her hand outstretched. “These are invisibility charms.” She dropped a necklace into her hand and another into Cadan’s. Diana closed her fingers around it tightly. “As long as it’s around your neck, you’ll be invisible. The charm will wear off in a few hours, though. I’ve added a little extra something so that you’ll be able to see each other, as long as each of you is wearing yours. If only one is wearing it, you’re screwed.”
“Thanks. You made them?”
Esha nodded. “Took a couple tries, but since I can’t go with you I figured I’d try to use my magic this way. Send a little bit with you.”
“I appreciate it. I can use every bit of help I can get.”
“Then you’ll like this.” Esha pulled a pack off her back, unzipped it, and withdrew a large piece of stiff leather. “It’s an enchanted breastplate. It will help protect you from weapons and some magic.”
Diana’s throat tightened at the effort Esha was putting into keeping her alive. “You charmed this too?”