Wild Hunt

Hunt; also known as the Teulu
Teulu – family of Hunters; members consist of the bastard children of Arawn, Lord of the Underworld, and those humans invited to ride in the Wild Hunt
Wild Hunt – the endless nightly hunt of those beings infected by Chaos
Chaos – the raw power from which the world was formed; disorder in its purest form
Fairy – an otherworldly creature; either Seelie or Unseelie
Seelie – a fairy who is “good” or “pure”
Unseelie – a Seelie who has either willing or unwilling been infected with Chaos; a fairy who is “bad” or “evil”
Seelie Fairy Court – the ruling faction of the Seelies; no known members; once led by Dagda
Unseelie Fairy Court – the ruling faction of the Unseelies; included are the Unseelies and the redcaps; led by Dar (formerly known as Dagda)
Redcap – a human who has sold his soul to an Unseelie in exchange for immortality and power; leaders of the Unseelie Fairy Court’s army of sluaghs
Sluagh – the walking dead; a human who has been tricked into a redcap’s fairy ring
Glamour – the magic of the fairies (both Seelie and Unseelie)

A mere thought connected them, allowing him to take her pain into himself whether she was across the fortress or in the heavens

“My deal with Lucifer has nothing to do with mating you. I did not have to complete our union to benefit from your healing touch.” She yanked one hand free of his hold, then cupped his cheek. “I could’ve returned any time I needed you, and you would’ve welcomed me. Do not forget that.”
Because the mate bond, even a partial one, would demand he comfort and care for her, no matter what.
“Maybe not welcomed.” He leaned into her touch. “I would’ve been bitter.”
“But you would’ve healed me

He closed his eyes. Although she’d been more than willing to accept the sex he’d offered, mating her hadn’t been discussed. As was his right, he’d claimed her, giving her his body and soul

compassing his pupil and setting off the lighter silver of his eyes. Combined with his nearly white hair and darkly tanned skin, he’d been called mesmerizing by many of the inhabitants of the Underworld. He never cared what anyone thought about him. Only Minerva’s opinion mattered

“I was surprised you accepted my claim so soon.”
He traced the overlapping circles seared onto her palm. The mark served as a warning to all that she was taken. He wore his mated status with dual-ringed eyes, her dark gray encompassing his pupil and setting off the lighter

He waited while she stood in silence, clenching and unclenching her hands.
Finally, he asked, “Her male was killed?”
“No. She was. Dagda has murdered all my handmaidens, save my first maiden. He’s allowed her to live.” Eyes squeezed shut, she hung her head. “For now, at least. I have no doubt he will end her life once she’s served her purpose.”
Although he hated hearing the name of the once-beloved fairy king come out of his mate’s mouth, he didn’t correct her. She loved the male once. She had the right to call him whatever she wished

a millennium ago. Arawn didn’t know why. She’d never shared the reason with him. Since he refused to disclose his arrangement with the demons, he had no right to demand her secrets.
“One of the first seventeen.”
He closed his eyes on a long exhale, finally comprehending her pain. “One of your maidens

He met her gaze. “Tell me of the lovers who have caused your suffering.”
“Not merely lovers. Souls paired by my hand. Events have ripped them apart tonight. One has died. The other mourns.” She turned tired eyes on him. “And I am once again crying for them so they may have another chance.”
He sat on the soft grass and lifted her, settling her over his lap.
“They are old souls?” They had to be. The Triad had taken away her ability to pair mates a millennium ago

Duty demanded she play the role she’d been created to fill, despite the repercussions to her. His love for her required he save her from the heartache she experienced while satisfying her obligation. He couldn’t, however. She was meant to bleed for love lost, just as he was meant to live with the screams of the wronged echoing in his