Page 41 of Shift of Morals (Shifter Lords #2)

Chapter

Twenty-Nine

W e stood in a circle around a small, sparsely decorated table, the bonding floral arrangement in the center.

A somber air had fallen in the Keep’s chapel, the atmosphere tense and watchful.

Caelan stood beside Gianna, his form powerful and sleek in a black tuxedo, the boutonniere I’d made him on his lapel.

His jaw was tight and his eyes haunted. We’d locked eyes once on our way into the chapel, and I don’t think I’d ever unsee the burning power in his gaze.

We did not speak even though I had a million things I wanted to say, knowing I could let none of those words pass my lips.

A sense of profound loss weighed on my shoulders as I stood there, watching Caelan marry another, but to say anything out of turn could ruin me, and as a way of collateral, everyone else I cared about, too.

Gianna wore a bright white gown with a startling thread of crimson on the bodice. She looked cold yet resplendent in her wedding finery, though there was a touch of exhaustion on her features I’d never seen before. Her lips were pinched tight together and her knuckles white around her bouquet.

Caelan had made the decision to only allow the Council and a few favored guests to view the bonding ceremony.

Everyone else waited in the separate area of the chapel where most of the wedding ceremonies took place.

This was a smaller room, one with stained glass windows and a pulpit for services—a warm and comforting place.

Or it would be if we weren’t standing around like we were lined up for a firing squad.

My skin itched. Weddings were supposed to be joyous times of celebration. Not this tense and terse affair.

“Are we ready to begin?” Hazel asked from right beside me.

The witch had left home for Scotland two weeks ago but had flown back for the wedding after Caelan had personally requested her presence. If I didn’t know better, I’d say she had a soft spot for the Lord.

She was dressed in traditional robes denoting the type of witch she was, her wild strawberry hair tamed into a neat braid.

Her face was devoid of makeup, and she wore no jewelry.

Ceremonies like this required the witch to come in supplication to the gods the way they came into the world. Devoid of ornamentation and humble.

At Caelan’s and Gianna’s nods, the two clasped hands. I ignored the clench of my stomach and kept my expression neutral.

Hazel’s words swept over the small chapel, a strange wind rustling our hair as she invoked the gods, inviting one to come forward and offer their blessing.

A moment later, I smelled ice and wind, and a rush of cold air blew over my shoulder before it stopped abruptly, all the magic in the air sucked out like it had never been there.

I glanced up to see Hazel’s pinched mouth and a furrow between her brows.

She cleared her throat. “Perhaps I should try again.”

Gianna shifted uncomfortably, her face pale and wan.

What was going on? There was no blessing, and whatever presence had started to come in had abruptly left. From Hazel’s expression, that was not the way it was supposed to happen.

The smell of ancient forests and glens roared through the room, extinguishing all the candles. “No need, witch,” a familiar voice said.

Oh no. I almost turned around before a tight grip on my hand reminded me to stay still. Hazel.

Cernunnos, king of the fae, came into my line of sight. Hazel and everyone else sucked in a shocked breath. I gave him a raised eyebrow look. Cernunnos winked and sauntered up to the altar. He reached out with a bronzed finger and touched the petal of the apricot blossom.

“Stunning,” he murmured.

Had the fae king purposely shoved another god out of the way to be here?

Surely not.

That would be madness.

Right?

The king turned his attention to Caelan. “Your florist is immensely talented and powerful. You must give me her name.”

I choked on a cough.

Caelan’s forehead wrinkled. “Uh. Certainly. But she’s standing right beside you.”

Wicked humor glinted in his eyes as he turned back to me. He inclined his head, sharp antlers glowing with bioluminescent moss.

“Are you enjoying yourself?” I hissed in a whisper as I bowed to the king.

“Very much so,” he responded.

When I rose, Cernunnos held his palm out, forcing me to place my hand in his. Power snapped against my skin. “It is rare when someone can manage to bring out nature’s true, raw beauty. You have unparalleled talent. I would be honored to host you in my halls one day.”

I blinked at him.

Go with it, his voice echoed in my mind.

“Um.” I licked my lips, shoving down the hysterical laugh threatening to bubble over. “It would be my honor, sire.”

Do not interfere in what happens next, Evangeline.

I stiffened, the words making my worst fears come true, even as a sliver of hope slid through my heart. Why?

It is between me and your Lord.

He is not my Lord. Who knew a mental voice could sound so salty?

“I will be in touch,” Cernunnos said before he turned his attention back to Gianna and Caelan.

Cernunnos. Don’t do this.

They are not meant to be.

It doesn’t mean they shouldn’t marry.

Cernunnos stilled and glanced behind him. Do you want this Lord to marry this creature?

I almost laughed at his description of Gianna. I want him to be happy. That’s all.

And you believe he’d be happy with her?

I didn’t say that.

His ancient stare burned into my heart before he turned once more.

You will thank me for this one day.

He overestimated my ability to be grateful for taking my choices out of my hands.

“You are the seekers of my blessing?” Cernunnos asked.

Gianna’s face had lit up at Cernunnos’ presence. The physical manifestation of a god had never been documented at such an occasion, so this was already one for the books.

Caelan bowed. “We are. Your presence in my domain gives me the highest honor.”

Cernunnos didn’t acknowledge Caelan’s words. His attention went to Gianna. “How long have you been pretending?”

Gianna froze. “Sire?”

The smile he gave her held barely leashed violence. “You cannot fool a god.”

Gianna’s pleasure upon seeing the god slid off her face like melting wax. Her eyes went cold, but Cernunnos appeared to be done with her.

Confusion flashed over Caelan’s face as he watched the byplay between them. He opened his mouth to speak, but Cernunnos interrupted.

“Ancient traditions dictate the gods’ blessing on certain occasions. A celebration like today is cause for joy and wonder, but I see none of that before me. The Lords sit in their pews like they are above our law, waiting for this woman to bring about your downfall.”

I closed my eyes for a brief moment, knowing somehow even though Cernunnos was going totally rogue and I had no control of what a god decides to do, that somehow, I’d be blamed for this going awry.

The Lords in question shifted uncomfortably. All except for Rowan who was watching this with unfettered delight on his face.

I bit back my smile.

“All except for one who honors you with his loyalty and friendship.”

Rowan blinked in surprise, awe overtaking the amusement.

Cernunnos continued. “Love might be considered a tradeable commodity in your world, but I believe in a union blessed by a joining of two compatible hearts. Your bride has misrepresented herself to you and your Council, and you, Lord Caelan, have hidden the deepest truths of your heart in order to perform your duty as someone else has dictated it be done.”

Caelan paled.

Cernunnos turned to the Lords, his ancient gaze sweeping over them.

All sat in awe of the god, except for Donovan whose forehead was beaded with sweat.

“As of today, any practice of forcible marriage is banned in this country. Any law of your Council attempting to enforce such is hereby deemed illegal.”

Hazel’s grip tightened as my knees threatened to collapse from under me.

What was happening right now?

Rowan’s eyes were suspiciously wet. If only he and I weren’t such good friends, I might have pursued him. He was a good man with a good heart and how he’d landed on the Council…

But Cernunnos wasn’t done. He returned his attention to the couple.

“You will not receive my blessing today, young Lord. Whether you decide to move forward with your wedding is up to you, though I would urge you to think long and hard about the secrets you hold in your heart before taking such action. Some things aren’t meant to happen right away and will require a long, difficult fight.

” Cernunnos’ gaze flicked to me for a brief moment.

“But sometimes those fights are worth it.”

Gianna’s lips curled with fury.

“Return to whence you came from, Gianna. I daresay you won’t be welcome in this Keep very soon.”

If I could sink into the floor, I would. My hands were gripped in tight fists, slick with fear. I was waiting for Gianna to lunge across the table and try to claw my eyes out, but she stayed frozen, her eyes blazing with rage.

Cernunnos turned to me. “Nice dress.”

And with another wink, he was gone, golden oak leaves falling from the sky in the wake of his presence.

No one said a word for a long moment.

“Is it too soon to ask if there’s a refund policy?” Rowan asked, breaking the thick tension.

Caelan snorted.

Gianna turned on her heels and stormed from the chapel.

Hazel finally dropped my hand and leaned in. “Is there anything you want to tell me?” she whispered.

I shook my head frantically.

“Liar.” She sighed. “I have a flight out in a few hours. Be very careful over the next few weeks,” Hazel murmured. “You’ve got a target on your back.”

Nothing new there.

I hugged the witch, and she hurried from the room, tossing her robes off to reveal a sleek magenta pantsuit.

Sassy.

A warm grip around my upper arm turned me, and I found myself facing Rowan. “I’m here to escort you out,” he whispered. “A lot of the Lords are furious.”

“Take me to the restrooms so I can get out of this dress.”

Rowan’s eyes glittered. “Is that an invitation? We might be friends, but I’m not blind.”

I slapped his arm. “No. My clothes don’t go with me when I use my other form. The fastest way I can get home is to fly.”

He shook his head and led me out the door. I didn’t dare turn to look at Caelan. “Not a chance. If Caelan catches me holding your dress and lacy underthings, I won’t make it out of this Keep alive.”

“Ass,” I groused.

“An ass who likes to live. I’ll drive you home. No one will accost a Lord.”

“Evie.” Caelan’s voice came from behind.

Rowan stilled.

“Keep walking,” I demanded.

He hesitated.

“I’m going to drop my panties right on your fancy shoes and fly away if you don’t keep moving.”

Rowan kept walking.

“Evie!”

“Walk faster.”

A minute later, we were in Rowan’s car flying down the road.