Prologue
Cursing, Daemon watched his beloved step through the ring of standing stones. She would be stronger here, more so than her twin Arianne or even himself. It was a wise move and certainly a frustrating one. Because of what he was, he would not be able to break her circle and enter the dance unless she allowed him passage. And in her current state of mind, such a gesture was unlikely. Pigheaded woman. A smile curved his mouth at the challenge she presented. He tamped down the urge to release the demon. Not yet, and never against Brie, but Arianne? Definitely. He had to keep the dark hidden for a little while longer.
“Briella, love.”
At the sound of her name on his lips, she turned to him. Long black hair whipped in wild wet ropes around her face with the force of the storm. She was tall, slim like a fairy, her beauty unmatched, but her gentle nature and kindness was balm to his tortured soul. Where would he be, what would he have become without her? Never would he have betrayed her, if only she could see that truth.
Daemon pitted all his magic against the wall of her power in a fruitless attempt to break through her circle. Wave after wave of rolling water washed over the bubble surrounding the stones, but every drop fizzled, evaporating on contact.
Angry with her, himself, and Arianne, Daemon cursed the gods. If he couldn’t stop Brie, she would die. As would he, because of the link they shared. Who knew a simple, silly little spell, that could have been avoided had he been conscious, would do so much damage to so many? Like ripples in a pond, every act touched someone else and each one went on forever.
At one time, death would have been welcome, but she’d changed him with her simple gift. She gave him life, love and showed him what good magic could do. Then there was Arianne. Oh, he knew her power well. Dark and evil, it showed in the woman who cleaved to it like a lover.
He had to save Briella before she could break the bond holding them together. Nothing Arianne could do to them was worth the price of their lives or the loss of their daughter. He had lived hundreds of years and knew more about incantations than she ever would. He didn’t like the spell in mind, but it would put all this to an end without killing anyone. He hoped. They would still lose Sorca, but at least their daughter would be safe from her aunt’s trickery. Still, he had to be in her circle to cast it. He summoned all his magic and threw another wave of crystalline blue water against the barrier she had placed between them. It fizzled and evaporated.
“Daemon, stop this. I will see this through. This is the only way.”
“There are others. I swear to you, and I ask one last time. Please, don’t do this.”
The determination in her eyes wavered. She might be swayed.
“Go away, Daemon. You’re not invited.” Briella put no heat in the demand. She looked so tired, drained, but she would do this before she weakened and changed her mind.
He found it hard to face death with eyes wide open. Harder still to leave their daughter behind.
“The hell I will. Let me in.” The burr of his Scot blood came through loud and clear with his temper.
She only scowled at him, undeterred.
“Brie.” He spoke softly now, but she wouldn’t be coaxed. “Fine, woman, do what you will.” He threw up his hands in exasperation. “But I’d ask something of you first?”
“What is it you wish?”
“Don’t shut me out. If this is the way it must be, I want to remember the gift you gave, the love we shared. I want to grieve over the life we made and have to leave behind.” He pressed his hand to the wall of magic. “Please, love.”
The wall disintegrated.
Daemon entered the dance and pulled her into the circle of his arms.
“I love you. Whatever came before or comes after, know that is forever.” Holding her close, he regretted knowing he would have to betray her in these last moments. “Cast your spell. We’ll be right
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