The Source (Chronicles of the Elements #1)

Chapter 16

                                                                    Liam

Liam woke with the sun the next morning wanting nothing more than to hold Aiden's naked body and explore every curve with his lips before they began the long task of helping move forces to Siog Riocht, but he was met with a cold, empty space when he rolled over finding only a piece of parchment. He snatched it up and read quickly.

Liam,

I have gone to do what must be done. I know you said we could find another way, but Olc is getting too strong. I cannot risk anyone else I care for getting hurt. I must go to him and take advantage of his strong desire for me. I won't let anyone else die or be harmed when I can end this for good.

Tell Danu and the others to be ready for his banishment. I will get this task done as quickly as possible so that I can come back to you.

I love you with all my heart,

Aiden

Liam felt like his whole world collapsed. Aiden had no idea how cruel Olc could be, especially if he really is working with Danu. His heart filled with dread at the thought of what Olc might do to Aiden under his control, so he leapt from the bed and dressed in record time before heading to bang on the door to the chamber that had been given to Fiadh.

She opened it wrapped in a sheet with claws coming from her fingertips ready to devour whoever woke her and her lover that he could scent from where he stood, but her demeanor changed quickly when she realized it was him. "Liam? What happened?"

"Aiden is gone! She left in the night headed to Olc. Danu has her convinced that she is going to end this on her own."

"We have to go get her!"

"Agreed. Meet me in the war room. We will need Aine and her Valkyries."

Liam ran using air magic to increase his speed but came face to face with Danu as he burst through the war room door. "This is all your fault!" he snarled at the goddess not giving a damn about hiding his feelings for Aiden anymore.

"Liam! What has gotten into you?"

"She is gone! Aiden has gone to Olc alone! You convinced her that she was our only weapon, so she chose to sacrifice herself so that no one else would have to!"

"That was never my intention," she told him with mock innocence and feigned worry.

"Then help us save her!" Fiadh shouted as she ran in.

"I will send Valkyries with Liam and Fiadh. They will need aide in dealing with the illusion traps leading to Olc," Nuada offered coming into the room with Aine just in time to hear what had happened.

"Aoibhe can prepare her team to depart with you both immediately. I will summon them now," Aine said as she sprinted from the room.

"Liam, it is best to let Fiadh and the Valkyries do this alone. Besides, I have other tasks for you."

"No fucking way! I am going! She means more to me than anything or anyone else ever has or ever will! Do not dare ask me to stay behind, Danu, because I will not follow those orders!"

"Liam, you have no idea what all is at stake right now! She has turned you into a fool! You will return to Forgotten Palace immediately! You are no longer fit for this task," Danu snapped.

At that exact moment, Aine came back in with Aoibhe and her Valkyrie unit ready to depart but looked between Danu and Liam not sure if they needed to diffuse that situation first.

Nuada came to stand between the two looking much more the King of War rather than Sky. "You must all be wary of everything as you embark on this journey. The forbidden magic is not to be underestimated or trifled with. It was foolish of Aiden to go off alone, but if she has taken the path I think she has, you may be able to stop her before she reaches Olc's stronghold where we have intel that he is planning for war as we are. Go now, and meet us back in Siog Riocht," Nuada told Liam and the Valkyries as he conjured a portal.