Immortal Rising: Immortal Heart, #6

Synopsis

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When the Fates meddle, everything changes... All the things the warriors had come to accept, what they thought they knew, will be tested.

Death and loss have formed the man that Cree has become. One wrong move—one misstep in battle—and the love that once heated his soul was taken from him. While trying to find solace in his remaining family, he is haunted by dreams of a future he can’t reconcile. Awoken from one of those dreams, Cree finds himself wandering the Light Fae castle, when a familiar form appears in the silent halls of his home—and nothing will ever be the same.

Confused, with no memory of herself or her life before the time she spent in the Immortal Three’s domain, Rowan is back among her people and struggling to unlock the memories that are just beyond her reach.

Pain and joy battle within the walls of the warriors’ home as they try to jog Rowan’s memory, while keeping her return a secret from everyone outside their inner circle. Meanwhile, Esperanza, now queen of the Dark Fae, schemes to take down the Fae she once called family, with a secret weapon of her own.

Come get lost in love, longing, betrayal, and passion in the final installment of the Immortal Heart series.

Dedication

To all the lovely fans, who have encouraged me, and loved these characters.

I hope you enjoy the end of the series!

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Dedication

Table of Contents

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Three

Chapter Thirty-Four

Chapter Thirty-Five

Chapter Thirty- Six

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Epilogue

Also by the Author

About the Author

Prologue

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To my gentle warrior, Uriah,

My heart aches each day that you and Makiah are out of my reach. I would have given everything to stand at your side with our son in my arms. I broke so many rules in loving you and I would break them all again, knowing that among the consequences would be the reward of our beautiful son.

Make sure Makiah knows that I loved him. I am writing this letter and my heart warms knowing that it will make it to you, thanks to a delivery from Bain’s Isabelle. I struggled, and I will admit that weakness nearly had me taking what was not mine. In the vial there was only enough valkyrie blood for one spell—the rebirth of one special soul.

It is my responsibility to mend what my sisters and I inadvertently set off course. It was meant to be Rowan; her destiny thread was severed at our hands. So now, I return her to you all. Help her remember, love one another, protect our son, and stay off my list. Find comfort in your new love. All your fates are now back in line, and I will wait to welcome you into my domain, many, many centuries from now.

With all my love, always,

~Jelena

Jelena sealed the letter as Rowan entered the room. Acacia said you wanted to speak with me.

Jelena smiled and handed her the envelope. Rowan looked at Uriah’s name scrolling across the thick paper. I don’t understand.

Jelena nodded. I didn’t expect you would. She handed her a vial of thick, red liquid. It won’t taste good, but I need you to drink this, and then just remember the name Uriah.

Rowan’s brow furrowed, but she popped the lid off the vial and poured the liquid in her mouth. She cringed as the bitter, syrup-like substance slid over her tongue and down her throat. Jelena smiled as Rowan’s hair lengthened and darkened, her build thinning slightly. She watched as the Valkyrie blood took hold in Rowan’s veins.

Remember to give that to Uriah, she said before blowing a powdery substance in Rowan’s face.

Rowan was about to question Jelena, but she suddenly couldn’t remember the question she needed to ask, and everything seemed to spiral out of focus. Blinking to clear her vision, she opened her eyes to find herself somewhere that felt so familiar, but she couldn’t place it in her memories.

****

Cree woke with a start; his heart pounded as he struggled to pull air into his lungs. Glancing at the window, he could see dawn would soon be approaching.

Son of a bitch. He sighed as he threw his legs free of the covers and his feet hit the cool, plank wood of the polished floor. Cree yanked on a pair of jeans and headed out of the room. The castle was quiet so early in the morning—no echoes remained of the laughter and light that filled the marble halls during the day.

His bare feet padded through the empty space until he found himself in the kitchen. Jerking open the fridge door, he couldn’t help but smile when he noticed the small, glass bowl full of now-cooled, melted peanut butter. Reaching in, he pushed it aside and grabbed a water bottle. The bowl was still lukewarm. Izzy had been snacking not long ago, he thought, as he headed out of the kitchen and back down the long hall.

A flash of light from the foyer caught his attention and had him picking up his pace. He stopped short when a tall, elegant frame came into focus. Long, russet hair flowed down her back, while satiny, white fabric hugged her curves. Her frame shook slightly as her head tilted, taking in the room before her.

Who are you? Cree demanded lowly.

This place... it feels familiar, but I don’t know why I am here.

The woman turned to face Cree. Her lavender eyes sparked with confusion as she smiled softly at him. Can you help me? Do you know why I am here?

Chapter One

Faint creases formed on her forehead as the color drained from the handsome man’s face. He was so familiar. His beautiful, ice-blue eyes glimmered with unshed tears as he stared at her. His black hair was contained by a loose tie at the base of his neck, while an unruly strand framed his brow and kissed his chiseled cheekbone.

Where am I? Rowan asked again. She’d found herself in a massive foyer of marble and polished wood. Flowers adorned a table that sat beneath a very large, low-lit chandelier, and plush leather seats sat near a large fireplace in the corner.

Home. His voice shook as he whispered the one word.

Her head tilted from side to side as she took in further details. A large staircase led to a second level that looked out over the foyer. She could make out a few paintings on the walls upstairs and the large picture window that showed the twilight sky of a new morning.

Shaking her head, she looked down at her hands. Clasped tightly in her fingers was a cream-colored envelope with one word scrawled in elegant gold ink... Does Uriah live here?

Rowan? Do you really not recognize this place? Do you not know me? Cree uttered the words with pain as he fought to keep from falling to his knees.

Rowan bit her bottom lip and studied him again. Why are you crying?

Cree touched his cheek to find a large, warm wet tear sliding down his cold skin. I fear I am losing my mind.

Are you Uriah? Maybe this will help you. She stepped towards him and held the envelope out to him.

Shaking his head, Cree spoke softly, I am not Uriah, Rowan... It’s me. Cree.

"Cree. She tested his name, feeling a shiver slide down her spine as it rolled over her tongue. It seemed to flow as if she had spoken it time and time again. It was a beautiful name, filled with strength. It was fitting for the man standing before her. Even with the wet trails shimmering down his cheeks, there was obviously sheathed power coursing through his veins. Somehow, she could feel it, like tangible energy caressing her. It’s a good name... Cree." She said it again.

Cree felt her voice to his core, a shudder sliding through his heart. He felt years of memories grasp at his soul, of all the times she had called out for him.

I like it, she said with a small curl to her lips, her eyes slightly hooded.

He found himself smirking as a low chuckle slipped past his lips. Oh, how he wanted to grab her and devour the small smile that tipped her lush lips.

And I am Rowan? she asked, drawing his attention from the need burning and roiling through him.

"Yes, love, you are Rowan. My beautiful, perfect Rowan." He pushed back a loose lock of unruly hair and moved slowly towards her.

I don’t remember you or this place... but I feel safe here.

He tried to hide the pain from his eyes as he gazed upon her, now only a few feet from her. He spoke. You are safe here, and I have missed you every day that you’ve been gone.

She blinked slowly, wishing she could remember the man that seemed so affected by her presence. Why had he missed her? Where had she been?

Shaking her head she asked, Is there a Uriah that lives here? I think I am supposed to find him.

Cree nodded. Uriah! he shouted, causing her to flinch slightly. Apologies, he said in a much softer tone.

She shook her head and smiled. It’s okay. She reached forward and wiped a tear as it followed its brethren down his face.

Cree’s lids slid shut as he breathed in her scent and resisted the urge to pull her into his arms. She seemed to trust him thus far, but she was still like a skittish child, unsure of where she was, what was safe, and what was not.

I am sorry that I make you cry, she murmured.

He shook his head and gently placed his hand over hers, pressing her palm against his cheek. I’d cry these tears every day of my life, if for no other reason than to be able to touch your hand and know you are really here.

****

Uriah woke at the sound of his name echoing against the stone walls of the castle. Leaping from bed, he yanked on a pair of pants and rushed from his room, where Marie slept deeply with Makiah only a few feet away in his crib.

Cree! he shouted back as his feet pounded against the marble floors that led to the main stairs.

Uriah came to a screeching a halt at the top of the stairs, his steely gaze locked on the two forms standing only inches apart in the foyer. His feet began traveling on their own accord, slowly moving him down the stairs. The woman with dark hair turned to look at him, a confused smile stretching her lips as her lavender gaze searched his face.

Uriah? She said his name softly.

Rowan was struck by the unexpected warmth of his unique grey eyes; there was a pure and healing soul hidden in their depths. His mahogany hair looked slightly rumpled as it fell in waves around his face. He, too, was handsome, with a gentle aura that soothed her.

His gaze shifted to Cree briefly. He skipped the last few stairs in one leap and rushed at her, his arms wrapping around her in a crushing embrace. Rowan, he breathed, skipping all the propriety he would have normally used with his queen.

She stood stiff in his arms. Uriah sensed the tension in her body and released her. His head tilted to the side as he looked down at her. She forced a smile, and Uriah looked back to Cree.

She doesn’t remember us.

Uriah’s brows drew together as he stepped back.

We were friends? she surmised as she looked up at him. I guess that’s why I was supposed to find you and give you this. She held the envelope out to him.

Uriah caught the elegant script that spelled out his name. His hand shook slightly as he reached for the letter, knowing it could only be from Jelena. He’d recognize her beautiful handwriting anywhere.

What’s happening? Uriah whispered.

I don’t know, Cree admitted. I am hoping the answer is in that letter.

With his hands less than steady, Uriah pulled a thin sheet of paper from the envelope. His breath caught as he silently read the first line.

To my gentle warrior, Uriah...

Reading each line slowly, he was captivated by every word written in Jelena’s hand. He swore he could hear her voice as the words settled against his soul. He felt his own tears sting his metallic eyes. He had everything he could want or wish for with Marie, and still his heart ached as Jelena reached beyond the grave to find him. He absorbed everything she had to tell him. Finishing the letter, he reached inside the envelope to find another sealed, smaller one addressed to Makiah. He blew out a pained breath and tucked the letter back in its sheath.

Steeling himself to find his voice, he finally spoke, The blood Izzy took to Jelena was for a spell. Still affected and stunned by the letter’s contents, he looked back to Cree. A spell to rebirth a soul... She sent Rowan back to us.

Cree locked his gaze on Rowan as she stood watching them, her gaze bouncing between the two warriors. "She doesn’t remember anything. She doesn’t remember us."

Uriah nodded. She says that Rowan’s destiny thread was severed at the hands of the Immortal Three, and now they are returning her to us. She also mentioned that we need to help her remember, and to love one another.

Cree stood speechless, his eyes never leaving Rowan.

Uriah shook his head in disbelief. This is incredible. We need to get the others.

Others? Rowan questioned.

Yes, the rest of your family, Uriah said encouragingly. They’ve missed you so very much.

Rowan closed her eyes, letting the words settle over her.

Rebirth of a soul. Jelena sent her back? Her family?

When she opened her eyes, she fought through her blurring vision to see both of the handsome men watching her intently. She tried to smile as her eyes rolled back. She heard them both call out as shadows encroached on her. The last thing she felt were strong arms wrapping around her as the hard, marble floor rushed forward.

Chapter Two

Bain clung to Izzy, his arms slung over her side. The warmth of her bare flesh and the beating of her heart echoing through him were the only things that calmed the darkness long enough for him to find rest. Since she finally returned from the Immortal Three’s domain, he found that sleep evaded him unless she was pressed against his chest.

She was everything to both him and Kyra, and he wasn’t sure he could make it through the many years ahead of him without her. He had fallen so deep into her that the thought of losing her while he rested his weary bones was too awful.

A harsh pounding sounded on their bedroom door, jolting Bain upright as he jerked Izzy with him.

What is it? she asked sleepily.

Bain shook his head. I don’t know, he said, kissing her forehead. Sliding from the soft mattress, he made his way to the door and flung it open. Uriah arched a brow.

You could have put some pants on, he grumbled.

Bain shrugged. You are the one pounding on my door in the middle of the night. Covering up wasn’t the first thing on my mind.

Well, get dressed. His gaze lifted past Bain to Izzy, who clutched the sheets to her chest. You too, Iz. Cree needs to see you both.

Izzy nodded and stood. Grabbing her clothes from the floor, she streaked to the bathroom.

Bain sighed. I am going to tell myself that you didn’t just see her naked ass run through the room.

Uriah smiled. If he didn’t know for a fact that Rowan was fine—and had merely passed out—he wouldn’t have taken the time to even comment. I imagine, like Marie, she forgets we can pretty much see in the dark.

Bain arched a brow as he yanked his pants on. So you did see her naked ass?

Uriah ignored him. Hurry up.

What’s wrong? Izzy asked, coming from the bathroom clad in a long, linen skirt and a T-shirt as she pulled her thick black hair into a ponytail. "I can feel something indefinable rolling off you."

He waved them forward as he headed out of the room and down the hall. Just come with me.

Following him through the castle, Bain and Izzy exchanged curious glances. Uriah didn’t knock as he pushed open Cree’s door and entered the low-lit room. Sheer silver fabric hung from the four-post bed and pooled on the polished floors, white-and-purple accents adorned the massive, gray-draped bed, and delicate pieces of furniture spotted the large room. He hadn’t changed a thing since Rowan’s passing. Peering past the canopy drapes, Izzy furrowed her brows as she caught sight of Cree clutching a woman to his chest. Her gaze drifted to see the pensive look on Bain’s face.

"What took so long?" he snapped, lifting his head from the woman in his lap.

They needed clothes. Besides, she’s fine. Her heartbeat is steady and her breathing isn’t labored. She passed out.

Is that why we’re here. To heal her? Izzy asked.

Who the hell is she? Bain asked, barely masking what could only be construed as annoyance.

Cree pushed the mocha locks from Rowan’s face, exposing her to Bain and Izzy’s prying gaze.

What the hell? Bain breathed.

Rowan. Izzy smiled, tears lighting her eyes as she moved to the bedside. What happened?

Cree blew out a deep breath, shifting Rowan in his lap so he could cup Izzy’s