The jagged onyx, emerald, and deep blue rocks that had surrounded us ever since we entered this channel suddenly rose from their rest. Like an intricate puzzle, the sharp rocks began to fit perfectly together, forming thick stone slabs that floated into place in front of us. I inhaled as they swirled into an ascending cylindrical stairway that surpassed even the thundering clouds above.
"Whoa," Riella whispered and I merely nodded in agreement.
"We are here," Lir said from behind us, his deep voice full of reverence. "Welcome mi goddess, t’ The Well o’ Souls."
The cool touch of Emon's large hand wrapped around mine, our fingers intertwining much like our bond. "Together?" His voice gruff, gone was the coldness from before.
I nodded, reaching down to our daughter and clasping her hand in mine.
She beamed back up as we both responded.
"Together."
Chapter 46
TheWellofSouls.
It was beautiful in its simplicity, the glossy shine of each floating step, swirling with black, greens, and blues that were both welcoming and foreboding. Power was embedded here—I could feel its humming force and watched enthralled as Remnant’s body shivered. I had no doubt every inch of this power caressed parts of her goddess soul.
She took a step forward as if entranced by the call, and I could see something take hold of her that was empty from before. Empty when I fucking murdered her shadows, cut them straight from her soul.
My hands clenched at my sides, the need for vengeance rolling inside my body along with the hunger I felt before. A hunger that was becoming difficult to control, that much was obvious when I savagely assaulted my sweet soulmate on the ship.
I did not regret what I said, but I did regret how I said it, causing her pain with my callous handling. That was not me…Remnant was meant to be cherished, worshiped, she was never meant to be cowered or bent.
Eve had warned me…
I choked back a snarl when a large hand settled on Remnant’s shoulder, the mad sea king Lir, halting her. "Once ye step in t’ the Well, I will nae be allowed t’ stay, lass."
Crossing my arms over my chest I gave him a pointed look, "Where will you go?" I growled.
Silver eyes flashed over to me, dropping his large hand from my soulmate’s shoulder who studied us both with pursed lips, "Fresh seas. The Well will lock me out but Fi will be able to fin' ye 'n' guide ye back to me." Turning to Remnant, he winked, "Keep yer wits about ye, Goddess, 'n' good luck." Kneeling he extended his large weathered palm to my daughter, a thick corded bracelet holding a silver conch shell lay daintily within. "Take this lassie, tis a whistle, call for me whenever yer in need. The winds will hear 'n' bring me to ye."
Riella wrapped her hand around the tiny shell whistle, "Thank you," her voice trembled.
He winked and stood gracefully despite his great height. "Now off wi' ye all. Ye have souls to conquer."
I blurred, gathering my life in my arms, Riella clutching atop my shoulder’s grinning down at the soft gasp of my soulmate held tightly in my arms.
Behind us Lir chuckled and Remnant glared up at me, her hands wrapping around my neck, joining our daughter’s strong hold. "What in the goddess are you doing, shifter?"
Watching the incredulous look spread across her face, I smirked. "Carrying my mate across the threshold.” I winked and ignored the sharpness deep in my heart that I had not yet been able to give her all the celebrational customs my people had when a couple was newly soulmated. Saving the world and the future of our daughter had taken forefront but I could at least do this.
Her brow arched as I stepped with fluid ease upon the ledge of the ship, bracing to jump. "Are you afraid the big bad, evil souls will come to get me?" She teased.
I chuckled deeply, and then jumped, the air rushing by us as I sprung from the ship with Riella squealing and gripping me even tighter.
Landing perfectly on the smooth polished stone step without a sound, despite the weight I carried, I grinned down at her. "Of course not, I’m afraid they will come after me, I'll need their goddess close by if they do."
Riella nodded, patting my cheek fondly. "Oh yes, good thinking faedere!"
Remnant snorted and rolled her eyes. "Surely The Well would not attack its own goddess, shifter."
At that we looked around, it wasn’t much of a fucking well. There was nothing here but air but I could feel the power in my soulmate slowly grow stronger. My soul wraith senses drawn to it, hungry again. A loud smack of Remnant’s hand against my chest echoed with the soft water lapping around us.
"Let me go, shifter or I will make you," She commanded.
I growled low, my hands reflexively tightening around her, the hunger growing deep inside me. Fuck. "I think…” I said slowly, shoving the fierce power down and licking my fang, “I've proven that I am never letting you go, Remnant Dark and I never will."
