“Stand here and look at this raven and then take a step to the side and look at it from this angle,” I order, pushing him into position.
“Ahh, it’s the Morrigan,” he whispers, moving back and forth between the two places.
“Was she a shapeshifter, too?”
“Aye. She works similarly to the Valkyries, choosing the slain and bringing them with her. That’s why some warriors worshipped her as well. But she also has the ability to stir chaos on the battlefield, turning the tide of war. Among other things.”
“Other things?” I ask, still studying the petrifying but beautiful face of the goddess.
“It is believed that the Morrigan created the banshees. And that their wails could not only kill you but far enough away from their screams you would hear prophecies, or the names of the fated to die.”
“Wait, so there are prophecies from her?”
“Aye, I remember seeing a book of her prophecies come in from the cave.”
“There was prophecy carved on the table we brought in, too. Luna thinks it’s about me.”
Lachlan freezes, his eyes narrowing on me. “What did it say?”
“A ruler of two worlds shall rise up and lead.”
Relief settles across his shoulders, lowering them. “Well, that’s already come true.”
Even though his words reflected my own, I’m unsure now. “That’s what I had told Luna. But she said there’s always more to it and that they’re never that short. I just feel like I’m missing something…vital.”
I close my eyes, feeling like I’m missing half the puzzle as I struggle to put the pieces together. Behind my closed eyelids, I see a flash of feathers turn into rippling waves. Back and forth, they flash over and over again.
Feathers, waves.
A soft, lilting voice sings and my mouth drops open. I’ve heard that voice before.
Warmth envelops me and my eyes flash open to see Lachlan’s hand holding my face, staring intently into my eyes.
“Are ye alright?”
“Yes,”—I clear my throat—“I zoned out. Sorry.”
He doesn’t let go, his eyes continue bouncing between mine.
“You’re lying,” he whispers. “What did ye see?”
I inhale sharply through my nose. “A while ago, when you met Evander and I at Badb’s temple, I had zoned out like this and heard a voice calling to me. I think I heard it again. But this time I saw black feathers and waves flitting back and forth.”
A divot forms between his brows as he frowns.
“What does it mean?” I ask softly.
“I dinna ken. We’ll have to ask Luna if she read anything about it when we get back.”
“Should I be worried?” I ask once more, not understanding his hesitancy.
“I wish ye woulda told me about this sooner, Lena.” His tone creeps towards agitation. The use of my name instead of my nickname has me bristling.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t even remember it until right now,” I whisper, twisting my hands together.
Lachlan nods and steps away, going back to checking his side of the room.
We walk in forced silence around the cave, fully inspecting every inch. My stomach growls loudly.
