Prologue
FRESHLY FALLEN LEAVES FLUTTERED TO THE GROUND, like butterfly wings ready to spring. The reins held tightly as Arawn rode through the thickening forest. His hood whirled in the wind. The world itself held its breath as God passed them. In respect of one of the most powerful beings of them all; Death.
Arawn’s pale skin was briefly exposed to the moonlight. Closer to that of a corpse, stretched thin and exhausted. Various horns rose from his skull. His long, leather cloak flew in the wind. Enid was waiting for him. Her blonde strands were falling like rivers down her back, and her blue eyes were as the heavens themselves. Life would blossom to essence below her naked feet as she worshipped the Gods themselves.
Because Enid was Life. Just as Arawn was Death.
The woods spread wide open for his gaze, unveiling the clearing like a secret. His Enid, who usually held such vigor and bravery. There, beneath the sheltering limbs of an ancient tree, lay Enid—his beloved. Her skin held an amber glow. Hues, normally so clear, remained blurred. At the sight of her, Arawn leapt from his black mare in a hurry by sight. ”Enid━━” His breath caught in his throat. He dropped to his knees, strong hands trembling as they cupped her face, every movement laced with desperation.
Shivering, Enid’s hand covered his own. “I don’t have much time left,” Enid spoke with urgency. Life leaned against him, and her palm rested above his hollow heart, that only beat for her. “A boy shall be born named Emrys. Be magic itself.” Fingers clenched around his cloak, tugging him closer. Enid breathed heavily, “His Prince, not of his own, who will be Arthur, is one of the ones you need to seek, my love.”
“What do you mean?” Arawn eyes swam with hot tears. Was it one life he never desired to take, it was hers. Her nonsense could know no bounds, yet he hung on to it as a dying man. “I cannot understand why they matter. Yours does tenfold.”
“They’re the human beings who are capable of saving me,” Enid said softly. “Heed the Holy Grail, water pure enough to heal me from my wounds.” Her white dress strung close to her figure, yet frail. Time flew through her fingers as night became day. Before it returned to the blackness of nightfall once more. “Will you vow to me to grant this quest in your hands?”
“I will.” Arawn glanced down at her. “I swear it on my love for you.” Gently, he pressed a kiss to her pink lips.
