Outrunning Her Past

Chapter 20

"Dani, can you hear me?" Nate asked, his face filled with concern. He cupped my face with his hand and my body lit up with sparks. "Woah," he mumbled, his eyes widening. "Was...was that what I think it was?" I giggled and nodded. "But how?"

"Let's just say I had one hell of a dream," I smirked. "Now, can anyone explain how we ended up on a camping trip in Wonderland?"

They all seemed to let out a collective sigh of relief as they chuckled slightly. Leo grabbed me in a tight embrace that had both of us letting out a slight moan. "Holy fuck that felt amazing! What changed?"

"Hey, my question first?" I pouted.

"Fat chance!" Talon chuckled and grabbed me away from Leo. His lips crashed into mine as I whimpered. The bond flared to life and the kiss quickly deepened until we were breathless.

"Hey, quit hogging her," Dean complained as he pulled me to him. "Damn, beautiful, you smell amazing," he moaned as his lips traced my neck and earlobe. "I really want to taste you."

Using every ounce of control I could muster, I pushed him back, "Soon, but for now, we need to talk about what has happened."

"Daniella," Wyatt whispered. Our eyes met and my soul felt like it leapt from my body. I don't remember moving toward him, but soon I was in his arms, pressed against his chest as he spoke quietly to me. "I was scared you wouldn't wake up, darlin. I can smell the crossroads on you. Did you make a deal?"

"No," I muttered against his chest, "I was given a choice and I chose all of you." He cupped my face, tilting it upward, and kissed me gently. My mind filled with images of him from our childhood as we kissed. I felt myself crying, but they were happy tears.

"How did you do that? How did you see my memories?" He asked once the kiss ended. Not answering, I simply winked and gave him a cheeky smirk.

"Goddess touched," a strange-looking creature said. "We need to see the Council now." Before I could ask who she was or what she meant, she clapped her hands together loudly, and similar to the feeling I had in the pond, our surroundings shifted in a flurry of small lights. When they faded, we were standing before a long table made of rock and living trees. Seated at the table were strange-looking figures, some covered with cloaks that hid their faces.

"Resa, who have you brought before us?" A tall figure with a cloak asked.

The creature I now knew was Resa answered as Wyatt's arms tightened around me. I could feel his worry, matter of fact, I could feel all their concern. "Lady Merith sought your assistance because the Goddess touched one was spelled. She suddenly awakens and is changed. I brought her and her consorts immediately."

"Consorts?" another voice spoke.

"The princes of the five realms are her intended consorts. Their connection was weak while she slumbered, but now I can see the lines growing brighter, Mistress," Resa stated.

"Hmmm, just why is that?" the first creature asked. "What have you to say on this matter, Goddess touched?" His gaze leveled at me.

Choose your words carefully, Daniella - I heard Hecate's warning in my mind. "Sir, I'm not exactly sure what is going on right now. The last thing I remember was being in Merith's cabin as she showed us a memory I had repressed. Then a witch, the one who cursed me spoke directly to me and I felt severe pain in my abdomen. I think I passed out. When I woke up, I was in this forest with my mates, Merith, and this creature that I now know as Resa. I also am not sure what you mean by Goddess touched."

He seemed to study me closely when another spoke. "I am Fueria, child. Did you notice a difference in your bond connection when you woke up?"

"Yes, ma'am, I did, but I'm not sure why," I answered. I had an inkling of why it had changed, but no solid confirmation so I wasn't going to say anything. I have no idea if these creatures truly want to help or if they will try to harm us as well. Better to be cautious for now as Hecate warned.

"Lady Merith, do you still seek our assistance? The female has awakened already," a male creature asked.

"Yes. We seek sanctuary and resources, Elemental Griff. The witch who cursed her initially has sworn to take her life and destroy their Goddess-given bonds. She is in league with some of the consort's own families. None, including myself, are safe outside of Faerie. I need access to the archives to try and identify the witch and reverse the spell. Additionally, the princes need to solidify their bonds with Daniella in a sacred space. I feel only this will create an unbreakable bond." Merith spoke with conviction tinged by fear.

The council members spoke to each other in a language I didn't understand quietly. I felt the guys move closer, each of them touching my skin in some way. My eyelids fluttered as memories began flooding into my mind from our childhood. Wyatt supported my weight as the visions swarmed. He pressed a kiss to my temple and I heard him chuckle in my mind, Just wait until we claim you, my beloved. Your knees will be far weaker.

Cheeky demon, I teased him as I felt his smile broaden.

"Lady Merith, the Council has discussed your request and it is granted conditionally," Fueria said. "We feel there is more here than meets the eye. They must travel to Knocknashee and present themselves to the spirit of the cnoc. It will decide their true fates. You may travel to the archives initially to seek your information. Resa will continue to be your guide and witness. However, she may not enter Knocknashee, and neither shall you."

"As you command," Merith replied, bowing to the Council. We matched her bow and then they vanished.

"I will take you to the archives now," Resa said as she began moving northward. "It is only a short distance."

Author's Notes:  Lots of questions, but will they find answers...