Immortal Awakening: Immortal Heart by Magen McMinimy Read Free Book Online Page B

agreement. “That is does. What do you think they will do once your warriors bring Makyle here?”
    “They’ll come for him, and I have no doubt there will be threats that will be followed with violence when we refuse to give him up.”
    “You’d risk it all for him?”
    Cree dipped his chin. “He risked it all for one of us.”
    “Makiah.” She smiled. “He was worth the risk.”
    “That little boy is the rebirth of our line. He may not be my descendent, but we’re a family, and new blood brought to the warriors is worth fighting for. There has been too much loss in our world… we won’t lose anyone else.”
    Her voice took on a sad lilt. “I heard about Rowan… I didn’t know her, but I knew of her, and if what I’ve heard is true, then it really was a great loss that I am sorry you all had to feel.”
    Cree smiled. “She was an amazing woman.” He fisted his hand over his heart and sighed. “I’ll never stop missing her—none of us will. But all we can do now is what she would have expected of us.”
    “I have no doubt that she looks upon you all with great pride. You’ve built something here most of us will never experience.”
    Cree smiled. His visions were spotty, but he saw her. “You will,” he said with a wink, and headed back towards the castle.
    Samira looked at the world she’d only stepped into days ago. It was beautiful and filled with life. The gardens lit the grounds with color, and the subjects milling about the courtyard seemed at peace, happy and fulfilled. It was what the warriors created for their people. Samira found herself hoping that their leader was right, and that maybe there was a future for her among them.
    ****
    Izzy felt a slow burn in her thighs as they trudged through the dry sand of the Underworld. A half-mile trek and she was about ready to hitch a ride on Bain’s broad back.
    “You okay, sweetheart?”
    She grinned. “I was about to hop a ride on your back; I hate walking in dry sand.”
    Bain chuckled and lifted her up, tossing her over his shoulder. “Is that better?” he asked.
    “The view certainly is,” she said, as she slapped his ass.
    “We’re almost to the forest. We’ll cut through it, but try to keep the river in sight,” Kale told them in a quiet tone.
    Bain squatted down and set Izzy’s booted feet back on the dark soil. “Come on, we’re getting out of the sand.” He kissed her forehead, and then turned to take the lead as they entered the forest. She followed close behind while Kale and Uriah flanked her.
    “Stay quiet,” Uriah warned. “There are residents in this forest.”
    With quiet stealth, they moved through the forest. Whispers of tortured souls carried through the air, causing the little hairs on the back of Izzy’s neck to prick at the sounds. Keeping close as they moved through the sparse landscape, staying sharp, and scanning their surroundings, they somehow missed the dark eyes in the distance that tracked their every movement.
    Izzy’s heart dropped as they slipped past the forest to the sandy shore of the river. She felt tears sting her eyes, and her breath was shaky as she tried to pull air into her lungs. Standing tall in the middle of the sand was the crucifix Makyle hung from. Her childhood flooded back to her as she recalled all she had learned of the sixth hour and the death of Jesus Christ. How odd was it that the Fae would sentence their own god to much the same punishment? Her pain turned to anger as she watched the residents of this level circle and attack him. He wasn’t even responding to the punishing blows that were being laid upon his exposed body.
    Izzy’s back straightened as she began to stride forward. Bain didn’t bother to stop her—he, Uriah, and Kale fell in line, flanking her. With a wave of her arm, she sent the pale-faced creature that snapped its jaws against Makyle’s flesh soaring through the sky. An ear-piercing howl echoed through the dark night as the creature landed in the river