Out of Time

Chapter 52

"Innes!" A voice called out to her, Dani's voice. The panic and terror in the voice galvanized Innes into action. She had never in her life heard such desperation and pain.

She materialized on a battlefield. The battle had ended, the survivors assessing their damages, helping the wounded. In the middle of the chaos, three figures stood out. A woman, Danielle, sat on her knees, her hands holding fast to a man's side. On the other side of the man, another man sat, Merlin. He also seemed worse for wear. There was a fatigue, a weariness to him that transcendent simple exhaustion.

Innes dashed forward. "Dani, how may I help you?"

Dani looked up at her, the same emotions in her eyes she'd heard in her voice. She tried to speak, but couldn't seem to get the words out, too frantic and tripping over her own tongue.

"Sh," she said, holding her hand up to Dani's lips. "Be at peace." The whispered word seemed to drift over the land like a fog, the magic of her voice settling in.

Dani relaxed, and spoke after moment. "I think Merlin is dying. I think he gave his life for Arthur."

Innes froze, looking over at the man she had fancied for so long but been hesitant to approach. Had she waited too long? As Fae, she tended to have such a blasé view of time. It was often too easy to let it slip by, to let it pass without really registering the lapse.

She'd thought she would have more time. After all, Merlin was such an old soul. He wasn't mortal. He could live a very long time. And yet, she was losing him. She could feel his life force being slowly bled into Arthur, who was slowly coming back to life.

Dani hadn't asked, but it was no choice for Innes. She couldn't say no. She couldn't refuse. She picked up his hand and began the process of binding them together forever.

For good or bad, they would have to learn to live with each other, because they would be stuck together until death do them part.