One day stretched on the same as the day before. Arielle should have been content to return to her realm, surrounded by family and friends, and other pegasus shifters like her. Only the happy homecoming wasn’t what she’d thought. Something was different.

Although she’d been trying to get back here since she’d ended up in the other realm, now she questioned why she’d rushed to return.

As she interacted with her clan, the differences between them seemed more pronounced than ever. They might be the same species, but other than that they were nothing alike. She was more like Calum in that regard. He understood her—her need to explore, to experience life. And she him. She felt more connected to him than those of her own kind.

Now what could she do? She’d gotten what she’d wanted as she made it home. So, she had to find a way to move forward.

“What’s wrong, Arielle?” Her mother asked. “You’re not like yourself at all.”

It was true. Arielle usually spent her days in this realm roaming the land or flying. But, her world seemed smaller somehow, more confined than ever. There was another world out there. One in which Calum lived.

“It’s been — an ordeal.” Arielle hoped her mother would leave it at that. Of course, she didn’t.

“You’re home now. Everything should be all right, shouldn’t it?”

If only it were that easy. She wished she could control her mind to keep from thinking about Calum, and wondering what he was doing. Was he on stage commanding the crowd during a performance? Sauntering across the stage with all his magnetism? The ambiance of the pubs flashed before her mind’s eye, with all that gritty atmosphere that excited her on some primal level. She’d never experience that thrilling rush again.

If he was at a show, was he being entertained by other women at the concerts? She’d seen the way they looked at him, ready to devour. A stab of jealousy pierced her and she closed her eyes. Would she be forgotten as soon as the next woman warmed his bed? She forced the image away with a turn of her head.

She sighed. “I guess it will take some time to readjust.”

As the days went on, more doubts crept in. She fidgeted, restless, and unable to sit still. Arielle had been so hell bent on returning home that she hadn’t considered her time in another realm as an opportunity. The boredom of her home life returned. It lacked excitement, why she’d often sought adventure to begin with—which had set her on an unexpected adventure with a dragon in pursuit. Back home, she was just the youngest of three daughters. Nothing special.

She sat by a pond, and watched the shimmery reflection of a tree in the water. How she missed Calum. None of the male pegasi gave her any tingles. Not in the way her body and mind seemed to light up whenever Calum was near.

What about Sven? He’s shown interest in you.

Sven was son of their alpha and considered a top catch in the herd. Arielle tried to envision it. Her mother would be thrilled if Arielle settled down with a strong and steady shifter like Sven.

But what about Arielle?

She doubted it. He didn’t look at her the way Calum did, as if she was the lightness in his day. He looked at her like she was just another clan member.

You’re not looking at him as a lover. Picture yourself kissing him.

She forced the image of them in a passionate embrace, one like she’d had with Calum.

Nope. Nothing. Not a single twinge of excitement.

Why?

Was it because they were nothing alike? Although they were both pegasi, they had no common interests.

In those days with Calum, they never had a forced moment. Being with him had felt natural. He’d seemed content, too, often humming as they walked over the isle. She’d had something special with him. She was sure of it.

And she’d given him up.

* * *

Calum hoped memories of Arielle would fade with her gone. The optimism failed him. Nights passed with no signs of that happening, not with memories of her imprinted on every inch of the island.

I need some distance. Some distractions.

He’d never had any trouble finding a lass or two to distract him. That’s what he set out to do during their next show.

He burst out on stage determined to tear the conflicted emotions out of his head and rock the crowd, feed off their energy. He scoured the lasses near the stage, fixing his gaze on a few while he belted out The Hunt.

Then it all went to shite.

They didn’t do a damn thing for him. He didn’t want to bed any of them, let alone spend time with them.

They weren’t Arielle.

Although he usually fed off the crowd’s energy, it left him empty tonight. She wasn’t out there. He couldn’t fix his gaze on her, fueling their mutual anticipation of a hot encounter after the show.

It was time to play Conquered.

I don’t want to sing it, Calum told his brothers.

Don’t be soft, Gavin said. It’s a fucking song.

It’s too late to change the set list now, Lachlan added.

Don’t think of her, Mason added.

As if it were that easy.

Calum forced Arielle out of his mind as he sang the lyrics. At first, he started in a detached tone. He didn’t want to get too close to the lyrics. And he sure as fuck didn’t want to think about the last time he’d sung it to Arielle.

His voice took on a melancholy edge, wistful about what he’d had and what he’d lost. Lost in his head, he only barely noticed the lassies cheering like mad.

Backstage after the show, Gavin said, “You’re off tonight. Like a ghost out there. What is it?”

Calum dropped his head into his hands. “I’m fucked.”

“Shite,” Gavin said. “Not you, too. You better not be turning soft like the rest of them.”

“I’m not,” Calum protested. “What’s the use? She’s gone.”

* * *

Arielle sought out her mother and found her pulling weeds from her herbal garden.

“You know that time you took me to the other realm when I was young? Tell me about it.”

“I needed some herbs for a spell. Thought we’d go on an adventure. You were always a restless child, and had a wanderlust about you.”

Yes, back then her mother hadn’t worried so much. She hadn’t until her father had died, when her mother had turned to her daughters, overprotecting them. As if smothering them would keep them from harm.

“But how did we get there? I remember going there, but I don’t remember all the details.”

Her mother eyed Arielle for a long moment before responding. “Magic. I opened the portal.”

Hope flared within Arielle. “You can do that? Does this mean—I could go back if I wanted?”

Perhaps one day she could visit Calum. Assuming he’d be happy to see her.

Her mother grabbed a weed and tugged. “I’ve questioned taking you to the other realm ever since. It didn’t sate your curiosity. In fact, it made you even more eager to explore. And look what happened…”

“I’m grown, Mum. You need to realize that.”

Her mother gave her a sympathetic look. “I know. All I’ve ever wanted to do is protect you.”

So did Calum. But not in the way that her mother did, treating her like she was a kid even though she was grown. Calum made her feel loved not stifled and cherished, even.

“You seem different since you’ve returned,” her mother added. “Wistful rather than relieved. And somehow, you’ve grown. Did something happen while you were in the other realm?”

Did it ever. She’d met Calum. Flashes of the moments they’d spent together made her smile. The time they spent on the island. Going to his concerts. In some ways, it had been the happiest time of her life.

“Not really,” she said. Why torment herself with telling the story?

“Oh, I know that look,” her mother said. “Did you meet someone?”

Clearly, her mother wasn’t fooled. Or, was Arielle that transparent?

“Tell me, Arielle. Who did you meet?”

The most wonderful man she’d ever known. She picked up a twig with a leaf still attached, something to distract her. She spun it, examining it from every angle. One corner of the leaf had curled, turning brown. The rest remained bright and green. The blend of colors reminded her of Calum’s eyes, colors as wild as the forests themselves.

She dropped the twig and stared at it. Closing her eyes, she took slow breaths, waiting for the ache inside to lessen.

“I found someone who would be my perfect mate. And I left a part of me back on the island with him.”

“You met another pegasi in that realm?” Her mother’s expression turned confused.

She shook her head. “No. A gargoyle.”

Her mother stared. “You must be confused. It would be natural considering you were lost in another land.”

Arielle raised her chin. “I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life.”

After she sighed, her mother asked, “Why did you return and not stay with him?”

“Because this is home. And I knew you’d be worried, wondering what happened to me.”

Her mother was silent for a long pause. “I was terrified, yes. And appreciate you thinking of me.” With a resigned nod, she added, “If he’s the one for you, being apart from him will only bring you pain.”

Arielle tilted her head as she studied her mother. “Like with Papa?”

A smile with a twinge of sadness passed over her mother’s face. “I loved him and we had many wonderful years together. We believed our love was more important, no matter what the sacrifice.”

“Do you regret it now?” Arielle felt strange asking a question she’d never asked her mother before. But the answer was more important than ever. “It left you in much pain after he died.”

With a shake of her head, her mother said, “Not at all. The pain shows how much I loved him. He will always be with me.” She put her hand over her heart.

Arielle said, “You and Papa were both pegasi. You lived in the same realm. It’s not so easy for Calum and me.” She spread her hands. “I don’t know what to do.”

Her mother gave her a sympathetic nod. “Yes, you do.”

“You think I should go to him?”

“What I think doesn’t matter. What do you want?”

Arielle turned her head to the rolling hills as she sorted through her racing thoughts. Where she thought she belonged no longer fit.

With her mind set, she faced her mother. “I want to go back to the other realm.”

“When do you want to leave?”

“As soon as possible.”

Her mother tapped her foot. “Say goodbye to everyone, and I’ll start the preparations to send you back through the portal.”

* * *

Calum couldn’t yank Arielle from his head. She tormented him. No matter which form he took on, how far he flew, nor how loud he belted out lyrics on stage, she was with him. Even though she was in a different realm, she’d taken up space in his head and imprinted her touch on his skin. She was gone, yet still everywhere.

He had to go to her. There was no other option.

But how the bloody hell would he get there? After all, they’d gone through to get her to that realm, it was damn near impossible.

He needed help. And after the drain it had taken on Kayla, he doubted Mason would be up for that.

Still, he couldn’t give up without trying. Maybe another witch would help him.

After debating the pros and cons during a long flight, Calum visited Mason and Kayla at their treehouse.

“What brings you here, brother?” Mason asked.

It was going to be difficult. Calum remembered the anguish on Mason’s face and voice when Kayla was in trouble. Bloody hell, that’s what helped Calum see that Arielle was worth it. To have a connection like Mason and Kayla had, that was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Not something to give up without a fight.

“I need to go to her.” Calum hadn’t planned to state it bluntly, but now that it was out, his feelings were out there.

Mason blinked. “What are you talking about?”

“Arielle. I need to go to her. I never should’ve let her go. Not without asking if she wanted to stay.”

“Are you off yer head? She bloody lives in another realm. After all we’ve gone through to get her there, and now you want to follow? How would we do that? And what if you can’t find a way back?”

“I know. I thought of all these things. But she’s worth it. She’s worth the risk.”

“You’re going to have to convince another witch to help you.” Mason shook his head and spread his arms in an absolute gesture.

“I know. I wouldn’t ask Kayla to do that again.”

“You don’t have to ask, I volunteer.”

Both Calum and Mason turned with surprise on hearing Kayla’s voice. She came out of the treehouse wearing a brilliant smile.

“Kayla, don’t be foolish,” Mason said, his voice full of exacerbation. “You’re pregnant. Any energy toll isn’t good for you or the baby.”

“Energy can be regenerated,” Kayla said. “And Arielle’s magic is powerful. It brought me back in no time.”

“It’s too dangerous,” Mason added, worry edging his voice. “I implore you to reconsider.”

“I’m pregnant, not handicapped,” Kayla said. “If I can use my magic to help someone in love, I’m going to do so. Don’t forget, Calum was the first one to stand by you when you told him we wanted to be together.”

The glance she gave Mason showed she wasn’t going to back down. Although she was petite and Mason loomed over her with his stone-hard muscles, she held her own.

Kayla turned to Calum. “When it comes to love, we can do foolish things. But it’s worth the risk.” She turned her gaze back to Mason and gave him a gentle smile. “It’s going to be all right. Don’t worry.”

Mason’s tense expression softened. After crossing territorial divides to be with Kayla, and having been willing to leave the island to be with her, he understood the risks for love.

“Fine,” Mason said. “But if you’re going anywhere, I’m going with you.”

Kayla beamed. “We have a lot to do.”

The next several hours were filled with preparation to return to the Highlands. Since they still had some of the potion left, they didn’t have to wait for days to brew it from scratch.

Lachlan, Bryce, and Gavin tried to talk him out of it. Surprisingly, Mason was the one who had come to Calum’s defense.

“If you had the opportunity to be with Raina or Mairi, wouldn’t you do it? No matter what the risk?”

Maybe Kayla had gotten to him. Soon Lachlan and Bryce relented, too.

Gavin still shook his head. “You’re mad, mate.” In a sarcastic tone, he added, “Guess we’re going to have to find a new singer.”

“Sod off,” Calum said. “Nothing like the support, bro.”

“You know I’m just messing with you.” Gavin put his hand on Calum's shoulder. “Good luck. Come home safely.”

That was the thing. Would he return? If Arielle accepted him, she might want to stay in her realm. If she didn’t—well, he wasn’t sure if, or how, he could return without Kayla’s help. His fate would be in the hands of the pegasi.

Calum glanced at his brothers at what might be the last time. They had done so much to form their clan and build their band and now he was walking away from everything he thought he ever wanted. He swallowed the lump in his throat and nodded.

As soon as darkness draped over the isle, Calum flew to the Highlands with Mason and Kayla. Since they’d found the ley lines the last time they were here, it was easier to spot the castle and locate them, keeping their distance from the fairies who guarded Tomnahurich Hill. Anxiety blossomed like a pit hollowing out his stomach, while excitement fluttered higher in his chest. He might see Arielle again, and soon. What awaited him in the other portal? Worse, what if Arielle rejected him? It was a risky gamble.

“You sure about this?” Mason asked, as if sensing his discomfort.

It was time to move on to a new chapter, one that included Arielle—if she’d have him.

“I am.”

Kayla created a magic circle with salt that surrounded them, as she’d done when they’d sent Arielle home.

“As soon as the portal opens, go,” Mason declared, “No hesitation. We’re not draining Kayla’s energy any more than necessary.”

Calum understood. His long goodbye with Arielle had put an unnecessary strain on Kayla. “Agreed.”

Kayla pulled out articles and chanted to cast the spell. The air shimmered and a low humming sound vibrated around them. The fiery portal opened with the black gaping tunnel within, turning it into a colorful vortex. A shiver of fear wormed its way from the pit of his stomach, before slivering around his spine. How had Arielle ventured into this strange abyss alone? His feet were laden with uncertainty. She was stronger and courageous than her ethereal beauty let on.

He took a hesitant step forward as he felt a warm, energizing tingle that flowed over his skin. He took one last look at the Highlands. It might be the last time he was here. He inhaled the scent of heather and pictured seeing Arielle again. A sense of calm flowed through him.

He stepped into the portal.

Streaks of color swirled around them as they shot through the air. He soared like he was in flight, except he wasn’t the one in control. Some unseen force shot him through a tunnel. His stomach lurched, and his skin tingled, tugging away from his body. He breathed through it, hoping the disturbing sensations would lessen. No such luck.

Seconds, or perhaps minutes, passed before Calum ceased hurtling through the vortex. He landed on his arse on a grassy field. He pulled himself to his feet and glanced at his surroundings. The sun shined brightly through an azure sky adorned with pink and violet brush strokes. That brilliant violet swash reminded him of Arielle’s unique irises. Wherever he had passed into, it was daytime, though it had been night back home when he had left. Or the journey through the tunnel took far longer than the minutes he’d thought had passed.

The land around him consisted of endless rolling green hills dotted with tiny, fragrant white flowers. He must have landed atop one of the hills as a village lay beside a stream below. That appeared to be a good place to start on his search for Arielle.

He’d only progressed a third of the way down the hill when the sound of pounding hooves behind him made him turn. Two armed men rode down one of the hills toward him. No, not men. Only their upper bodies appeared human, the rest were equine.

Centaurs, shite.

The one on the left pointed a pitchfork at Calum’s chest. “Don’t move.”