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“Yes, but they must live and flourish in the human world. How much would a human pay for immortality?”
“Sadly. Almost anything.”
“Yes, and using the artifact in such a way could reverse the spell Cian created.”
“You aren’t sure, are you?”
“No. We do not know what Cian did to create this spell. We only know he gave his life and infused his own claw as the rest of his body turned to dust.”
She stopped. “It’s his claw? It doesn’t... deteriorate?”
Kell pulled her down the lit tunnel. Though no light source could be seen. “While a dragon returns to the earth when he passes, Cian’s claw remains... alive. I have never seen it. Legion was given the information when he became our leader, but no dragon has touched the claw since Magnus put it there.”
Kell stopped at the end of a tunnel. “This is the entrance to the vault. There are three wards we must disable before we can enter the room that houses the claw.”
“What kind of spell?” she asked.
He placed his hand on the rock. “I am Kell. Member of the Rule clan. I have been tasked by our leader to retrieve the claw. Recognize my voice. Reveal the passageway.”
The rocks shuddered, and she pressed close to his body as a few pebbles rained from the ceiling. She flinched as one bounced against an invisible shield above her head. The rock groaned as a fissure formed in the craggy face just wide enough for them to squeeze past.
Kell’s skin scraped against the jagged edge, drawing blood as he pushed his body through, but Alana slipped through the opening easily as his skin healed. “The next ward is just ahead.”
The tunnel appeared to go on for some time. “I don’t see anything,” she said.
Kell pointed to a dark puddle. “That is not water.”
They stopped before the liquid. “It looks like oil.”
“It’s a portal. If you step inside, you will be transported deep within the mountain and into solid rock.”
She took a step back. “Pass.”
He chuckled. “No harm will come to you, Alana.” He knelt down and whispered several words in Celtic. The black liquid solidified until the ground appeared like the rest of the tunnel. He stood and tucked her under his arm as he pulled her down the tunnel with him.
She shivered as they walked over to the once-dark pool. “Being entombed is my worst fear.”
He kissed her temple. “I thought it was trusting a man,” he said in a joking manner.
“Very funny. My trust issues are not gender specific. I don’t trust anyone.” She regretted her comment when she felt his body tense against her.
“I hope to gain your confidence in time,” he whispered.
She stopped him. “It’s not you. I appreciate everything the dragons have done to protect Mara. To protect the druids. I am the problem, not you.”
His eyes flickered in the low light. She had noticed it wasn’t as bright the deeper they went into the tunnel. “You did not choose a life on the run. I do not blame you for your mistrust. It is likely what has kept you alive.”
She had to agree that her instincts had saved her on many occasions. “I will try to do better.”
His fingers caressed her cheek. “Your words are a gift. One I cherish.”
She had to look away from the intensity in his eyes. A girl could lose herself in such devotion. “Okay.”
Kell continued down the tunnel, but stopped as it narrowed to the point where he would have to crouch to continue. “This is unexpected.”
She couldn’t see anything out of the ordinary. “What is it?”
“Legion has never been here. He knew what the ward was, but Magnus had his mate with him when he set this. I sense druid magic.”
