Hi, there.  High Druid Phil here. You might remember me from Pandora’s Box as the guy who passed judgment on condemned puca Riordan. I was sooooo glad that turned out so well for him. Now that we have that project wrapped up, however, I have a new challenge before me.

Kane Oberon. Oh, he’s a dark one, I’ll admit. Powerful and quite the fascination for the ladies with his elusive heart, wry humor, and all that talk of revenge. So much banked rage in a man. Why is that such a draw for the fairer sex? Well, ahem. Yeah, I’ve seen the picture.  It reminds me that I really should hit the gym more often. Anyway, as I was saying, for many centuries, he was quite an angry guy with an immoderate success rate among the ladies. But then, eight years ago, something changed for him. He met a woman he now calls his conscience. She thinks he never cared. His problem was that he cared too much. If he cared less, he could have stayed with her until . . . well, until her time was up, of course. All immortals face that challenge when they connect with mortals.

But his heart was definitely involved and he knew things she did not -- things that convinced him it was best that he leave. So he did. His plan was to stay far away from her, even if he couldn’t help watching over her from a distance just to see how she was, what she was doing with her life . . . and whether she loved.

So what happened? Well, you know what they say about the best-laid plans of mice and men -- and even pucas. Sometimes a Druid has to intervene, you know? Even a forward-thinking professional like myself. Thanks to Janelle’s interference – so timely! – and a little presumption on my part, Kane and Janelle are tied to one another until Kane makes amends to everyone he’s wronged. Near the top of that list is Janelle.

Dr. Janelle Corrington. A strong woman with a frightening, to-hell-with-self idealism, Janelle would never think of carrying out centuries’ worth of revenge. Holding an eight-year-grudge, however . . .  Ah, but all rests on her shoulders, though she doesn’t know it yet. No, she’s too busy acclimating herself to her fondest wish: the ability to heal with a touch. That was her compensation for taking on Kane as her ward. Unfortunately, there’s another phrase that comes to mind here. Be careful what you wish for? Nothing, not even a gift powered by Druid and faerie magic, comes without its own price and complications – not to mention temptations. I will trust in her ideals and, honestly, in her lingering love for a man she believes never deserved it.

You see, it is my devout wish – as a pagan and diehard romantic – that these two discover and prove that he does, indeed deserve it. I will watch and hope.

Ah, but look at the time. I’m due back at the Grove. Let me just text King Oberon and I’ll be on my way. Faerie arrogance and all . . . you really don’t keep them waiting long if you can help it.