Autumn's Bane Read online

  Herne shook his head. “This is an incredible gift. I can’t believe she entrusted us with them.” He turned to me. “Always take Serafina with you, and at least one of these, when you go out. Gyell is still on the loose and we know he’s focused on us.”

  I nodded, thinking that the tide was turning. The world would never be the same, but maybe we could make the changes a little more bearable. And thanks to Echidna, we had hope again. And hope held strong through the darkest of days.

  Three days later…

  Angel, Rafé, and Herne sat in the front row at the amphitheater at TirNaNog. The courtyard was filled with nobility and the sides of the halls were packed with onlookers from the city. I was backstage, standing beside my uncle. Sharne looked incredibly uncomfortable, though handsome, in his formal dress. He was wearing the colors of TirNaNog, deep indigo and dark plum and silver, with purple and blue trim. He fidgeted as I straightened his boutonniere, which was a white rose.

  “Hold still. You’re messing up all the work your valet did.” I gave him a playful frown, still feeling out of place. The last thing I wanted to do was walk out there in front of hundreds of people who I knew would sneer at me, given the chance. But at least it wasn’t me in the hot seat.

  “You know, you’re taking this very well,” I said, giving him a long look. “You could still back out. You could leave TirNaNog and make a new home somewhere.”

  He shook his head. “No. Saílle would track me down and make me pay for embarrassing her. And her vengeance is usually deadly.” He spoke in low tones, but we both knew that we were probably being overheard. “And she would punish Neallanthra for my acts.”

  “Well, I hope that you’re happy. At least Neallanthra seems nice, and I really do like Unkai, so there’s some consolation there.” I grinned. “In fact, I’ve promised to show him the city, once the wedding is over and he’s free to return to Annwn. He’ll stay for an extra day or so. I promised when we first met that I would guide him around if he ever came over through the portals, and now I get to make good on that promise.”

  I finished straightening his jacket. “You look good,” I said, patting his chest. It felt so odd. He looked so much like Farthing, but he truly was nothing like my grandfather in nature. Impulsively, I gave him a quick hug.

  Sharne smiled fondly at me. “My great-niece, I hope you know how grateful I am you’re in my life. I wish I could have known your father better, but…well…water under the bridge, I suppose.” He looked around as the director—apparently important Fae weddings required their own theatrical attendants—motioned for us to get into place. “Are you ready?”

  “As I’ll ever be. Let’s get this show on the road.” I took my place in front of him. Instead of having a best man, Sharne had asked me to be his “best niece” and I had accepted, not wanting him to stand up there alone.

  Taking a deep breath, I let it out slowly and began to walk forward as the director motioned for me to go. I was wearing a long gossamer ballroom gown with such a full skirt that I felt like a princess. It was black as night, with a thousand silver beads dappling the surface, and every step I took, the beads shimmered. I had allowed the queen’s coiffeur to curl and coil my hair into a massive bouffant with curls draping down to my shoulders. I felt like an idiot—it wasn’t really me at all—but hey, weddings were all about the bride and the other women were just there to make her look good.

  As I stepped onto the stage, I caught my breath, staring at the massive crowd who were watching. They were silent as I crossed the stage, and I felt so conspicuous that I wanted to melt into the ground. But finally, I was at my mark, and I stood to one side as Sharne took his place beside me. I felt inside the secret pocket that had been sewn into the dress to make certain the rings were still there.

  A solemn march that reminded me more of a dirge than a wedding song began to echo through the crowd, and then—from the other side of the stage—Neallanthra appeared.

  I caught my breath. She was so beautiful that it was hard to look away. Dressed in a long flowing gown of pale lavender that shimmered with crystal beads and covered by a veil of the same color, she began to walk across the stage to Sharne.

  Three women led the way, each in a black sheath, and each had been picked by Saílle herself. My uncle and Unkai’s sister-in-law were pawns in a game far more deadly than anybody could imagine, and both of them knew it and accepted their parts.

  As the ceremony wore on, I looked around and caught sight of Saílle. She was sitting in a box seat in the amphitheater, and she was staring at me. I gazed back at her, meeting her regard. We weren’t done, not by any sense, and I realized that in the days leading up to my own wedding, I’d have to be crafty as hell, because the Fae Queens were treacherous, and I had become a threat to the stability of their traditions.

  Looking away, I focused on my uncle, hoping that he and Neallanthra would be happy. And who knew? Sometimes, arranged marriages worked.

  “I’m so glad that’s over,” I said, turning to Herne. I was still wearing the massive dress—it was mine, as a gift from Saílle—and we were in his SUV, heading home after the wedding. Rafé and Angel were driving together.

  “You want to spend the night at my house?” Herne asked.

  I nodded. “I’m hungry for you. And I want out of this fucking cupcake of a dress.” I paused, then let out a long, slow breath. “It’s all changing. Everything is moving so fast I feel like I’m on a roller coaster.”

  “I know, but love, life is like that sometimes. And then some years, it seems like time barely moves. It’s all cyclical, you know. We’ll take care of Typhon, hopefully with as little collateral damage as possible, and then…move on to the next phase.” He pulled into his driveway. “I watched you up there tonight, and all I could think about was our wedding, and how I will be by your side.”

  He sounded so optimistic, I had to push away my negative thoughts.

  As we headed inside his house, I paused, turning back to look at the park that buttressed against his home. It was beautiful, and it occurred to me that living here wouldn’t be so bad—it would have its perks. I had given up the fantasy that Rafé and Angel and Herne and I could all share a house. I knew that Angel didn’t want that, and when I really thought about it, it made sense. Angel and I were best friends, but even friends had to live their own lives.

  I was just grateful she was healing up, and that Viktor was back, and that we were all alive. Typhon was out there, and Echidna was preparing to call him out in challenge. We had fought off more skeletal warriors, and more vrykos, and a few zombies had shown up, and I knew that Gyell was keeping his eyes open for any opportunity to strike at us. But all that was on hold for tonight. Tonight…was for Herne and me.

  As I turned to go inside, a noise alerted me and I glanced at the park. There, sitting in the grass, was a little red fox. She watched me, unafraid, then turned and dashed back into the woods. I raised my hand as she left, feeling hope swell within me. Something about her had brought peace to my heart. Giving her a silent thank-you, I turned to go inside, to where my love was waiting for me.

  If you enjoyed this book and haven’t read the first twelve books of The Wild Hunt Series, check out The Silver Stag, Oak & Thorns, Iron Bones, A Shadow of Crows, The Hallowed Hunt, The Silver Mist, Witching Hour, Witching Bones, A Sacred Magic, The Eternal Return, Sun Broken, and Witching Moon. Book 14—Witching Time— is available for preorder now. There will be more to come after that.

  I will be starting a new series this autumn (November 2020)—the Blood Queen Series. A darker Fae/Vampire series, this will be a six-book series to start. You can preorder the first three books: Blood Roses, Blood Ashes, and Blood Dreams.

  Return with me to Whisper Hollow, where spirits walk among the living, and the lake never gives up her dead. I’ve re-released Autumn Thorns and Shadow Silence, as well as a new—the third—Whisper Hollow Book, The Phantom Queen! Come join the darkly seductive world of Kerris Fellwater, a spirit shaman in the sma
ll lakeside community of Whisper Hollow.

  I invite you to visit Fury’s world. Bound to Hecate, Fury is a minor goddess, taking care of the Abominations who come off the World Tree. Books 1-5 are available now in the Fury Unbound Series: Fury Rising, Fury’s Magic, Fury Awakened, Fury Calling, and Fury’s Mantle.

  If you prefer a lighter-hearted paranormal romance, meet the wild and magical residents of Bedlam in my Bewitching Bedlam Series. Fun-loving witch Maddy Gallowglass, her smoking-hot vampire lover Aegis, and their crazed cjinn Bubba (part djinn, all cat) rock it out in Bedlam, a magical town on a mystical island. Bewitching Bedlam, Maudlin’s Mayhem, Siren’s Song, Witches Wild, Casting Curses, Demon’s Delight, Bedlam Calling, Blood Music, Blood Vengeance, Tiger Tails, and Bubba’s origin story—The Wish Factor—are available.

  For a dark, gritty, steamy series, try my world of The Indigo Court, where the long winter has come, and the Vampiric Fae are on the rise. The series is complete with Night Myst, Night Veil, Night Seeker, Night Vision, Night’s End, and Night Shivers.

  If you like cozies with teeth, try my Chintz ‘n China paranormal mysteries. The series is complete with: Ghost of a Chance, Legend of the Jade Dragon, Murder Under a Mystic Moon, A Harvest of Bones, One Hex of a Wedding, and a wrap-up novella: Holiday Spirits.

  For all of my work, both published and upcoming releases, see the Biography at the end of this book, or check out my website at Galenorn.com and be sure and sign up for my newsletter to receive news about all my new releases.

  QUALITY CONTROL: This work has been professionally edited and proofread. If you encounter any typos or formatting issues ONLY, please contact me through my Website so they may be corrected. Otherwise, know that this book is in my style and voice and editorial suggestions will not be entertained. Thank you.

  Cast of Characters

  THE WILD HUNT & FAMILY:

  Angel Jackson: Ember’s best friend, a human empath, Angel is the newest member of the Wild Hunt. A whiz in both the office and the kitchen, and loyal to the core, Angel is an integral part of Ember’s life, and a vital member of the team.

  Charlie Darren: A vampire who was turned at 19. Math major, baker, and all-around gofer.

  Ember Kearney: Caught between the world of Light and Dark Fae, and pledged to Morgana, goddess of the Fae and the Sea, Ember Kearney was born with the mark of the Silver Stag. Rejected by both her bloodlines, she now works for the Wild Hunt as an investigator.

  Herne the Hunter: Herne is the son of the Lord of the Hunt, Cernunnos, and Morgana, goddess of the Fae and the Sea. A demigod—given his mother’s mortal beginnings—he’s a lusty, protective god and one hell of a good boss. Owner of the Wild Hunt Agency, he helps keep the squabbles between the world of Light and Dark Fae from spilling over into the mortal realms.

  Rafé Forrester: Brother to Ulstair, Raven’s late fiancé; Angel’s boyfriend. Was an actor/fast-food worker, now works as a clerk for the Wild Hunt. Dark Fae.

  Talia: A harpy who long ago lost her powers, Talia is a top-notch researcher for the agency, and a longtime friend of Herne’s.

  Viktor: Viktor is half-ogre, half-human. Rejected by his father’s people (the ogres), he came to work for Herne some decades back.

  Yutani: A coyote shifter who is dogged by the Great Coyote, Yutani was driven out of his village over two hundred years before. He walks in the shadow of the trickster, and is the IT specialist for the company.

  Ember’s Friends, Family, & Enemies:

  Aoife: A priestess of Morgana who guards the Seattle portal to the goddess’s realm.

  Celia: Yutani’s aunt.

  Danielle: Herne’s daughter, born to an Amazon named Myrna.

  DJ Jackson: Angel’s little half-brother, DJ is half Wulfine—wolf shifter. He now lives with a foster family for his own protection.

  Erica: A Dark Fae police officer, friend of Viktor’s.

  Elatha: Fomorian King; enemy of the Fae race.

  George Shipman: Puma shifter. Member of the White Peak Puma Pride.

  Ginty McClintlock: A dwarf. Owner of Ginty’s Waystation Bar & Grill

  Louhia: Witch of Pohjola.

  Marilee: A priestess of Morgana, Ember’s mentor. Possibly human—unknown.

  Meadow O’Malley: Member of the magic-born; member of LOCK. Twin sister of Trefoil.

  Myrna: An Amazon who had a fling with Herne many years back, which resulted in their daughter Danielle.

  Sheila: Viktor’s girlfriend. A kitchen witch; one of the magic-born. Geology teacher who volunteers at the Chapel Hill Homeless Shelter.

  Trefoil O’Malley: Member of the magic-born; member of LOCK. Twin brother of Meadow.

  Unkai: Leader of the Orhanakai clan in the forest of Y’Bain. Dark Fae—Autumn’s Bane.

  Raven & the Ante-Fae:

  The Ante-Fae are creatures predating the Fae. They are the wellspring from which all Fae descended, unique beings who rule their own realms. All Ante-Fae are dangerous, but some are more deadly than others.

  Apollo: The Golden Boy. Vixen’s boytoy. Weaver of Wings. Dancer.

  Arachana: The Spider Queen. She has almost transformed into one of the Luo’henkah.

  Blackthorn, the King of Thorns: Ruler of the blackthorn trees and all thorn-bearing plants. Cunning and wily, he feeds on pain and desire.

  Curikan, the Black Dog of Hanging Hills: Raven’s father, one of the infamous Black Dogs. The first time someone meets him, they find good fortune. If they should ever see him again, they meet tragedy.

  Phasmoria: Queen of the Bean Sidhe. Raven’s mother.

  Raven, the Daughter of Bones: (also: Raven BoneTalker) A bone witch, Raven is young, as far as the Ante-Fae go, and she works with the dead. She’s also a fortune-teller, and a necromancer.

  Straff: Blackthorn’s son, who suffers from a wasting disease requiring him to feed off others’ life energies and blood.

  Trinity: The Keeper of Keys. The Lord of Persuasion. One of the Ante-Fae, and part incubus. Mysterious and unknown agent of chaos. His mother was Deeantha, the Rainbow Runner, and his soul father was Maximus, a minor lord of the incubi.

  Vixen: The Mistress/Master of Mayhem. Gender-fluid Ante-Fae who owns the Burlesque A Go-Go nightclub.

  The Vulture Sisters: Triplet sisters, predatory.

  Raven’s Friends:

  Elise, Gordon, and Templeton: Raven’s ferret-bound spirit friends she rescued years ago and now protects until she can find out the secret to breaking the curse on them.

  Gunnar: One of Kipa’s SuVahta Elitvartijat—elite guards.

  Jordan Roberts: Tiger shifter. Llewellyn’s husband. Owns A Taste of Latte coffee shop.

  Llewellyn Roberts: One of the magic-born, owns the Sun & Moon Apothecary.

  Moira Ness: Human. One of Raven’s regular clients for readings.

  Neil Johansson: One of the magic-born. A priest of Thor.

  Raj: Gargoyle companion of Raven. Wing-clipped, he’s been with Raven for a number of years.

  Wager Chance: Half-Dark Fae, half-human PI. Owns a PI firm found in the Catacombs. Has connections with the vampires.

  Wendy Fierce-Womyn: An Amazon who works at Ginty’s Waystation Bar & Grill.

  The Gods, the Luo’henkah, the Elemental Spirits, & Their Courts:

  Arawn: Lord of the Dead. Lord of the Underworld.

  Brighid: Goddess of Healing, Inspiration, and Smithery. The Lady of the Fiery Arrows, “Exalted One.”

  The Cailleach: One of the Luo’henkah, the heart and spirit of winter.

  Cerridwen: Goddess of the Cauldron of Rebirth. Dark harvest mother goddess.

  Cernunnos: Lord of the Hunt, god of the Forest and King Stag of the Woods. Together with Morgana, Cernunnos originated the Wild Hunt and negotiated the covenant treaty with both the Light and the Dark Fae. Herne’s father.

  Corra: Ancient Scottish serpent goddess. Oracle to the gods.

  Coyote, also: Great Coyote: Native American trickster spirit/god.

  Danu: Mother of the Pantheon. Leader
of the Tuatha de Dannan.

  Ferosyn: Chief healer in Cernunnos’s Court.

  Herne: (see The Wild Hunt)

  Isella: One of the Luo’henkah. The Daughter of Ice (daughter of the Cailleach).

  Kuippana (also: Kipa): Lord of the Wolves. Elemental forest spirit; Herne’s distant cousin. Trickster. Leader of the SuVahta, a group of divine elemental wolf shifters.

  Lugh the Long Handed: Celtic Lord of the Sun.

  Mielikki: Lady of Tapiola. Finnish goddess of the Hunt and the Fae. Mother of the Bear, Mother of Bees, Queen of the Forest.

  Morgana: Goddess of the Fae and the Sea, she was originally human but Cernunnos lifted her to deityhood. She agreed to watch over the Fae who did not return across the Great Sea. Torn by her loyalty to her people and her loyalty to Cernunnos, she at times finds herself conflicted about the Wild Hunt. Herne’s mother.

  The Morrígan: Goddess of Death and Phantoms. Goddess of the battlefield.

  Pandora: Daughter of Zeus, Emissary of Typhon, the Father of Dragons.

  Sejun: A counselor in Cernunnos’s employ. Raven’s therapist. Elven.

  Tapio: Lord of Tapiola. Mielikki’s Consort. Lord of the Woodlands. Master of Game.

  The Fae Courts:

  Navane: The court of the Light Fae, both across the Great Sea and on the east side of Seattle, the latter ruled by Névé.

  TirNaNog: The court of the Dark Fae, both across the Great Sea and on the east side of Seattle, the latter ruled by Saílle.

  The Force Majeure:

  A group of legendary magicians, sorcerers, and witches. They are not human, but magic-born. There are twenty-one at any given time and the only way into the group is to be hand chosen, and the only exit from the group is death.

  Merlin, The: Morgana’s father. Magician of ancient Celtic fame.

  Taliesin: The first Celtic bard. Son of Cerridwen, originally a servant who underwent magical transformation and finally was reborn through Cerridwen as the first bard.