Page 45 of The Darkest Knight

Chapter Fifteen

“You’re back!” Gwen’s voice was the first thing Tammie heard as they appeared inside the McRainey estate. “Thank God.” Her sister and husband rushed to them.

Everyone moved to the library where Padriag lay Erin down on the coach. The girl started to come to, and Padriag kissed her face, relieved. The young knight looked around the room. “She’s okay, just took a knock to the head.”

Gwen frowned at Tammie. “I think both of you need to see a doctor. You have bruises on your face.”

Tammie touched her jaw. It did hurt, and she reached for a throw and wrapped it around her shoulders as the coldness of Atlandia lingered in her body.

Niall had moved away from her and stood next to the fireplace. She sensed him distancing himself.

They answered as many questions as they could, each taking turns to talk. Tammie did most of the talking, while Niall sulked and Padriag hovered over Erin, who was slowly coming to. She blinked in confusion, remaining silent as Tammie told the others all that had happened after being taken by Gunther.

Gavin walked in with beers and handed one to Tristan, Padriag, and the still-sullen Niall. Sabrina poured wine for the women, and they drank whilst discussing the situation. If it weren’t for the situation, one would think it was a normal night with friends hanging out.

Padriag lowered himself to the couch to sit next to Erin. He seemed to have taken his role as her protector very seriously.

“What about Liam?” Tammie asked not looking at Niall.

“I am going to return to check on him,” Niall replied. Of course he’d be the first to volunteer to go back. Tammie bit her lip to keep from asking if he planned to come back.

“I can go,” Padriag told them, I have to see what happens there. Soon the three moons will be high in the sky.

“What does that mean?” Erin asked.

“They have been trapped in that world. Each has a specific curse that must be broken,” Gwen explained.

“Three lives rescued, upon three moons high. Two hearts restored. One must die.” Tammie said out loud. “There were three lives rescued today. The three moons were there. I don’t know about the rest.”

“Or who must die,” Niall finished for her. “Either Liam or I will return with news.” His eyes remained trained on her, but he didn’t move any closer.

“Padriag will return with news,” Tammie interrupted, but he was already gone.

Indeed the knight had vanished.

Tristan placed a hand on Niall’s shoulder. “You should wait, Niall. Remain here tonight. Let’s wait and see what news Padriag brings.

What about Niall’s curse? How would it be broken? The more Tammie pondered the words of his spell, the more confused she became.

The hours passed with no news. Tristan and Gwen had gone to the kitchen to make more coffee. Tammie nodded but jerked awake at the silence of the room.

Where was Niall?

Erin was on the love seat reading the spell book. Her eyes constantly darting to the doorway.

Tammie stood and stretched. “Did you see where Niall went?”

“No,” Erin replied. “But he was yawning earlier. He may be asleep somewhere.” She stretched. “The groundskeeper, Miles, is taking me home. I need to sleep, and then I will return to see what I can do to help. If I was taken to the other realm, it must mean I am connected to this.”

Tammie went to the woman. “I am grateful that you were there, that we were able to help each other.”

“I am packing in the morning and going to stay with my aunt and uncle. They live not too far from here. I feel safer not to be in my flat alone.”

“Good idea,” Tammie said. “Make sure you rest.”

Erin hugged her just as Miles, appeared in the driveway. “Are you ready Miss?”

Deciding to find Niall, Tammie walked with Erin and Miles to the front door. Once they left, she went to the kitchen where only Tristan and Gwen sat at the table. They were playing cards. Both looked up as she approached.