Chapter Three
“IBELIEVE YOU and Iare connecting now because the time has come for you to fulfill the prophecy,” Cian said in answer to Madison, wondering why she went further into last night’s dream than ever before. “And mayhap because I’m no longer cast under a spell.”
Spell? The hesitation in his voice gave her pause.
Everything about Cian did, for that matter.
While it had been one thing reading about him in a book and sensing him in a dream, it was another thing altogether seeing him in person. She had researched the medieval period when she’d started dreaming about a castle from that era but narrowed things down when she sensed it was in Ireland.
Even so, seeing Cian’s attire in real life rather than reading about it in a textbook caught her off-guard. Dressed entirely in black, he wore boots, black trousers, ortriús, coupled with a tunic and a long leather great coat, orcóta mór, cinched at the waist.
He was every bit as tall and broad-shouldered as his ghostly silhouette, only now she saw the muscles straining against his clothing. Felt the sheer strength of his body without touching him. He had chiseled, masculine features, thick blue-black hair, and deep, dark, mysterious blue eyes. If that weren’t enough, his voice was every bit as sinful as it had been in her dream. From its rich timbre to its sexy lilt.
“What spell were you cast under, Cian?” Riona asked before Madison had a chance. But then forming coherent thoughts or carrying on a conversation was proving difficult at the moment, so probably for the best.
Riona kept typing into her cell phone. “And what’s this about a prophecy?”
“The prophecy was made by the gods of old at the time of mine and my brother’s conception.” Cian's hypnotizing gaze rarely left Madison. “Four women would travel back in time and help defeat King Raghnall so that we might keep Ireland’s history on track.”
“Right,” Riona said slowly, narrowing her eyes at her phone. “So why is there no record of a King Raghnall in ten sixty Ireland or any record of you for that matter?”
Madison could tell he hesitated to say anything that might put her off but remained truthful regardless.
“Because we are the unknown kings destined to be forgotten by history.”
“So then it worked,” Madison assumed, glad she had her wits back enough to think somewhat clearly. “If all’s good in Ireland today and you don’t exist in history, then it had to have worked. You...” Still trying to wrap her mind around all this, she cleared her throat and corrected herself. “Wemust have defeated Raghnall.”
“No.” He shook his head. “As far as the timeline goes, we have yet to return to the past and defeat him, which means history can still be altered significantly.”
“Wow.” Riona cocked her head. “So you’re saying if we’re unsuccessful, then what? Half of Ireland isn’t part of the United Kingdom nowadays? Its leaders are different?”
“No,” he replied gravely. “I’m saying ‘tis unlikely ‘twill even exist. That ‘twill be another country entirely. One riddled with poverty and death and ruled by corruption. By someone who’s powerful enough to have very likely taken over other countries afterward. Even created a world far different than this one where America never came to be.”
“Which would meanwenever came to be.” Madison thought about that. “Which would also mean we were not here to help you guys when you needed us most.” She frowned. “Heck of a paradox.”
“’Tis.”
“And this spell you were under?” she wondered. “What does it have to do with why I connected more with you in my last dream?”
She could tell he was uncomfortable answering, but he replied nonetheless.
“Because I was under a spell that made me love another woman.” He shook his head. “Now I am free of it.”
“Aww.” Riona put a hand to her heart. “So you’re free to love another?” She gestured at Madison. “To love—”
“I’m sure that’s not what he meant,” Madison cut her off, equally uncomfortable. “I’m sure—”
“Actually, thatiswhat I meant.” Cian frowned. “Though I will admit I wish it were otherwise.”
“Wow.” Riona flinched and met his frown. “Harsh.” Her frown deepened. “What’s the matter with my sister? She’s gorgeous and wonderful and—”
“You misunderstand.” He sighed. “The prophecy advises against falling in love with those who help us because, in the end, there will be nothing left of us. We will be lost to history. Truly unknown.” He shook his head. “So falling in love can only lead to heartache.”
Madison was certain she felt not only her own response to that but his. A crushing blow that seemed far too strong considering she’d only just met him. Sure, she had dreamt about him but still. She felt like they had just received a death sentence.
“That’s awful.” Riona sank into one of the kitchen chairs, her gaze a little off like it had been earlier. “Really...unexpected.”
Her sister spoke like she had anticipated so much more. And not necessarily for the sake of Madison and Cian, and he said as much.
