Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 97127 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 486(@200wpm)___ 389(@250wpm)___ 324(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97127 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 486(@200wpm)___ 389(@250wpm)___ 324(@300wpm)
“I do not know. I only know that Michael and I will be together.” Tears pooled in her eyes. “If I do not get a chance to thank you or bid you both farewell, know how much I appreciate all you have done for me.”
The three women hugged and rushed off knowing little time was left for them to set the plan into action.
It was not long before Magnus burst into her bedchamber and forcefully shut the door behind him.
“You cannot be serious about this plan,” he said, walking up to her.
Dressed all in black and his eyes aglow with anger, he looked like a demon about to descend on her. But Mary held her ground, her chin high and her stance firm.
“I will not lose the man I love. I will set him free with or without your help.”
His eyes lost some of their heat. “You should have come to me and I—”
“There is no time to think of what I should have done. I made my choice, and now you must make yours. Do you help me or not?”
“You know I will help you,” he said exasperated. “How could I not?”
“When this is done you will have fulfilled your promise to my parents. You will finally see me safe. No one will ever hunt me again—I will be dead.”
“If all goes well.” Magnus sounded doubtful.
“You must have faith.”
“I would have more faith if Decimus, the Dark One, Michael, whomever he is, had been made aware of this plan so that he could play his part as well as everyone else involved.”
“He would have protested.”
“Do you not think the choice his?” Magnus asked. “I was shocked to learn of Decimus’s true identity and more shocked to realize how much of a chance the Dark One had taken all these years. Do you expect him to simply walk away from it all?”
“I am not asking him to completely forsake his vow to help the innocent. I but ask that he change his battle plan so that he may save more than merely a few. When he realizes the wisdom of my plan, I think he will be less likely to judge me foolish.”
“I have had little time to digest all Brigid has told me, but in an attempt to understand your reasoning I see that this choice comes from the heart. Have you thought this through clearly? Are you certain this is best for you both?”
“Minds and hearts often war with each other when decisions are necessary. I can only tell you I feel this is the right choice for us both. And since you know true love yourself, could you live life without Reena?”
Magnus did not hesitate. “I will do all I can to make certain this plan of yours succeeds.”
Mary hugged Magnus, grateful for his support, then stepped away to wipe the tears from her eyes. “I cry too much of late.”
“You have been through much. You have the right to shed tears.” He took her hand. “Tell me where you plan to settle with Decimus.”
She shook her head. “I do not know, though it must be far enough away, where Decimus will not be recognized.”
“His reputation extends far and wide.”
“But not all have seen him, they have only heard of him.”
“Far to the northwest there is an island few know of,” Magnus said. “The clan there remain much to themselves and accept few outsiders. But I know them well and, if I advise them of your predicament, I do not think they would mind if you and Decimus joined them.”
“You are generous and I hate to ask more of you—”
“Ask me, Mary, I wish to help.”
“There is a small village the Dark One had brought me to. The people were very kind. I fear for their safety once the chaos of Decimus’s death settles.”
“Ask no more. I will see them all safe,” he promised.
She hugged him again. “Thank you. You are a wonderful friend.” She grasped his arm. “You will let no one touch the bodies? It is so very important no one is allowed near them.”
“No one will come near any of you, I give you my word,” Magnus said with a strength that made Mary smile.
“I think I have covered everything,” Mary said, running through the mental list of all that she had planned.
“I will meet with Roarke when he returns with Reena and finalize the details, then there is nothing more to do but wait and act our parts.”
“You have been a good friend, Magnus. May you and Reena know much joy.”
“I wish you and Michael much luck and a long life together.”
They hugged and parted, knowing that they might never see each other again. Mary was grateful that the Legend had been in her life.
Noon approached and Mary stood in her bedchamber looking around, making certain all was in readiness. She had tied back her long blond hair with a ribbon and had donned a pale blue linen dress, knowing the blood would appear more horrifying against a light color.