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“Why not send the stag to another realm like we intended?”
“You heard Reginald. Vortigern is obsessed and demented. He’ll track the stag to the ends of the universe just to show the gods who’s boss. We cannot allow him to access the stag’s power.” She fastened the toggle of her cloak. “I’ll be home in time for dinner. What are we having?”
“Pizza.”
“As long as it isn’t deep dish.”
“We share a border with New York and New Jersey. I’d be escorted from home in handcuffs if I ordered deep dish.” I glanced at my phone. Another update from Anna. “The druid is headed toward the Falls.”
“No doubt he senses the magical energy. It would be difficult not to for a druid. Stay safe, cariad.” Matilda pulled up the hood of her cloak and merged with the shadows.
I sprinted in the direction of the Falls. There was no sign of Anna or any other werewolves, but I was comforted by the knowledge that they were in the vicinity.
The Falls roared in the foreground. The brown cloak was difficult to see amidst the trees, which was probably the idea. Druid camouflage.
I approached with caution. Just because he didn’t kill the guards didn’t mean he’d take kindly to a perceived sneak attack.
The druid’s eyes were closed in silent prayer. His reaction to the Falls didn’t surprise me. The Celts revered water—they viewed it as essential to life, a source of healing, and a connection to the Otherworld, and directly ahead of us was water on steroids.
Sensing my presence, he opened his eyes and smiled. “So much power.” He rubbed his hands together and then held them outstretched, as though warming them by a fire.
“It’s beautiful, too.”
The druid turned to observe me. His irises appeared almost black. “Indeed.” He strode closer to the edge, and I followed. He inhaled deeply, as though extracting the energy from the air through his nostrils.
“You’re closely connected to nature. You derive your magic from it. Why help someone like Vortigern who decimates the land where he hunts?”
He tilted his head. “Because he will reward me handsomely for my service.”
“And what service is that?”
He lowered his head to reveal a smooth bald head. “Secure the area by removing any threats to his success.”
“Then why not kill the guards? They’re the first line of defense.”
His brow furrowed. “Do you think I should? Because that can still be arranged.”
I crossed my arms across my chest. “Great. Of all the druids, I have to get the one who moonlights as a comedian.”
“I was told to use my best judgment. The wolves seemed relatively harmless.”
“You only say that because they were probably playing soccer when you got there.”
He smiled again. “Tic-Tac-Toe in the dirt. With sticks.”
“They’re more ferocious than they appear.”
“Are you still trying to convince me to kill them?”
“No, of course not,” I said loudly, hoping that if Anna and friends were within earshot, they’d hear my response loud and clear. Our truce was in its infancy. No need to ruffle any fur.
“What do you know about the waterfall?” the druid asked. “I sense a powerful connection between here and the crossroads.”
“You sense correctly.”
“Fascinating. Their connection isn’t the only power I sense. Tell me, do these waters have healing properties?”
“I don’t know.” I had my own healing properties—no natural bodies of water required, although a hot shower did wonders for my mood.
