Circle of Eternity

Prologue
England, 1156

Enshrouded in opal mist, the elderly woman gazed up at the castle. Her chest weighed heavy. Soon death was to claim the two people she held closest to her heart.

Raising her arms, she whispered into the wind. Through me, ye shall speak to my blood. Through my blood, shall your lives be saved.

Her words drifted through the darkness and spiraled upward toward the room where the innocent girl remained locked away. Below, in the cold dungeon, the young womans lover lay imprisoned. Clutching her shawl to her body the old woman softly vowed, Ye, too, through the blood of your own, shall be free.

She smiled before slipping back into the dew-laden forest. Contentment filled her soul. Throughout eternity, the circle now formed, would remain unbroken.


Chapter One
England, Present Day

Brindlemoor Castle stole her breath. The early morning sun cast a golden band across the weathered walls, illuminating the workmanship from centuries past. Ivy crept up the foundation, as if to fortify its crumbling mortar, and spread upward over the ancient fortress.

Samantha Brooks gazed at the castle in awe. The travel brochure didnt do it justice. The intricate details of such a magnificent structure could never be captured in a photograph. The stones were various shapes and colors, and it amazed her how the masons of long ago had built it without modern day tools.

Savoring the salty air that filled her lungs, Samantha inhaled, wishing this moment could last forever. The ocean waves washed softly, steadily against the rocks below the cliff, and although cracked and broken, Brindlemoors foundation proudly upheld the rich history of a time past.

For her, the trip here was about letting go of her history and the cornerstone to building a whole new life. She sighed. The image of having a policeman tell you that your husband had died in the bed of another woman wasnt exactly a past worth preserving.

The distant voices of the other tourists provided a welcome distraction to the unpleasant turn her thoughts had taken. She knew she should rejoin them. Last night at the welcome reception the earl had stated he didnt want any of them wandering around on their own. He had further added that if this rule was violated, the offender would be asked to vacate the premises.

She turned to go, but a tower window caught her attention. Captivated, she stared up at the corner of its ledge drawn to a shimmering light dancing atop the stone. She squinted to get a better look, but as quickly as it had appeared, it vanished.

She waited a few seconds to see if the light would reappear, but it didnt. Maybe it was just the sun playing tricks on her, she reasoned. With her hands clasped behind her back, she took a step back. Her fingers brushed denim.

She jerked her hands in front of her and spun around. Her face flushed with heat as she looked up at the sandy-haired tour guide.
II m sorry, she stuttered. I didnt know you were behind me.

That much is obvious.

Samantha almost laughed, but his smile stopped her short leaving her uncertain as to whether he was being sarcastic or sincere.

I didnt mean to bump into you, she insisted, keeping her gaze from wandering down to the spot she had touched.

He cleared his throat and moved a hand to his mouth, but not quickly enough to cover the beginning of an amused grin. Thats quite all right.

Sarcasm. She prickled. His English accent sounded so eloquent, yet he obviously thought just like every other male. Of course it was quite all right. What man wouldnt mind having a woman brush up against his crotch?

The castle is beautiful, she said, desperate to change the subject.

His eyes, the color of a Caribbean sea, and just as fathomless, softened for the briefest of instants. It is beautiful, isnt it?

Sincere. She felt certain of it. I cant wait to see the inside, she replied, relieved to have found some common ground with him.

Which is why I came looking for you, he said, all business again. Its time to move on with the tour.

She curled her fingers into her palms. The earl doesnt need to know that I took a little walk by myself, does he?

His gaze skimmed her body before returning to her face. No, but I suggest you stay close for the remainder of the tour.

Stay close? Stay close to whom? Him? Unnerved by his assessing glance, she stepped back. Thank you. Ill be right there.

Dont be long. He started to leave, but turned to face her one more time. And do be careful where you walk. There are many unsafe places inside the castle. He grinned suddenly. And please, do handle our valuables with care.

Heat warmed her cheeks again. Oh, dont worry. Ive no intention of handling anything, valuable or not.

She refocused her attention on the castle where it belonged. She smiled as she listened to his footsteps fading down the cobblestone walkway feeling satisfied she had disabused him of any notion that she might be interested.

There you are!

Samantha turned. Hi, Khloe, she replied, waving to the redhead sashaying across the verdant grass.

Where have you been? Khloe demanded, thrusting a blue duffle bag at her. This thing weighs a ton. What the hell do you have in there?

Im sorry. She slipped the strap over her shoulder. I was admiring the castle.

Boring, Samantha. Boring. What you should be admiring is that tourist attraction right over there.

Samanthas gaze followed the direction of Khloes long, fake fingernail. You mean the gatehouse?

No, Khloe replied. Im talking about our delicious young guide.

Samantha laughed. I forgot. Youre not here to explore the castle. Or the rolling English countryside.

Oh, Ive no objection to rolling in the English countryside, Khloe quipped. Honey, after I won the lottery and divorced that lazy husband of mine, I decided to live my life. She fluffed her permed hair and smirked. You should do the same.

Samantha had decided to live her life to the fullest despite what Tony had done to her. I dont believe you need a man to make you happy, she replied in earnest.

Maybe not, but a man can do your body good. Khloe nudged her arm. And the tour guide looks like hed do a great job, if you know what I mean.

The cackling laugh that followed her remark almost made Samantha cringe. Yes the woman was nice, but Khloes outlook on life and men did not coincide with hers. Neither did the womans sexy clothing and blood red nails.

Im here to experience England, Khloe. Im interested in exploring the ancient landscapes, not a man.

I can see that, Khloe said, eyeing the duffle bag. Look at you, Samantha. Your pretty brown hair is tied back. Your sweatshirt makes you look flat-chested, and that suitcase hanging over your shoulder looks like a laundry bag.

Im comfortable in these clothes, thank you. And as for my bag, she said, clutching it to her side, its not a suitcase. More like an oversized pocketbook. For, you know, my water bottle, snacks and first-aid kit.

Khloe cocked her head. Oh, yeah? Got any safe-sex essentials in there?

Samantha laughed. God, you have a one-track mind. She laughed again. Of course there werent any items of that nature in her bag. She had no desire to even date a man, let alone sleep with one. She hadnt been intimate with a man since Tony. There hadnt been any time.

Shed spent the last year and a half working her ass off at the family bookstore to get out of debt and save for this vacation.

Come on, Khloe said, waving a hand in the air. Youd have to be dead not to wonder how hot the guide must be in bed. You are alive, arent you?

Yes, Im still breathing. But Im really not interested.

Good. Then hes mine.

Knock yourself out Khloe.

Khloe let out another snicker. I intend to knock him out.

Samantha rolled her eyes as they walked toward the group.

When they reached the other tourists, the guide was addressing them. Once again, my name is Greyson Pierce. I will now take you inside to see the rest of the castle.

An older man wearing a Stetson yelled out from the crowd. Are we going down to the dungeon where that girls lover was killed? You know, from the legend?

Samantha immediately looked to Greyson anxiously awaiting his reply, but his answer wasnt the one she wanted to hear.

Im sorry to disappoint you, but as you know, there are parts of Brindlemoor that remain unsafe. He looked directly at Samantha and added, Some of the floors arent stable and we wouldnt want anyone to stumble.

His gaze burned into hers. Trying to ignore it, she asked, Are we at least going to see the room where the girl was locked away?

I will be showing you some of the bedchambers, he replied, but as to which one may have been Caslins, theres no way of knowing.

When Greyson turned to address another question, Khloe made a sound of appreciation. Id love to share a bedchamber with him, she purred.

Samantha leaned close to Khloe. Hes going to hear you, she warned.

Maybe if he does, hell take me up on it.

The redhead licked her lips, and Samantha looked back at Greyson. Highly unlikely, she mused. Despite his casual clothinga denim shirt, black blazer, and those darned jeansGreyson Pierce looked like a man who preferred a more conservative woman. He did not appear the type to give a woman like Khloe, no matter how sexy, a second glance.

Then again, she thought bitterly, shed been wrong before.

Do you think there are any beds in those rooms? Khloe asked, smoothing a hand over her skirt.

Will you forget about the bedrooms? Samantha snapped. Arent you a little disappointed that we wont be seeing the rooms mentioned in the legend?

Youre really in a cloud when it comes to this castle, arent you? Khloe scoffed. They made up that stupid story just to get us here.

They did not.

Samantha, smell the coffee. Or should I say tea since were in England? Anyway, they flat out lied. If theyd told you beforehand those rooms were closed off, you wouldnt have come.

And you would have? Samantha shot back.

My reasons are purely of a physical nature. But people like you thrive on this history crap. So, they threw in some romantic legend and you hopped on the next plane.

Samantha shrugged. I didnt come solely based on the castles legend. But I do believe its true.

Hey, I didnt mean to burst your bubble. Believe what you want. Khloe indicated Greyson with a tilt of her head. But the way I see it, the only thing here worth getting excited about is that tall, handsome, bod-to-die-for guide.

Samantha looked at Greyson. Yes, any woman would find him attractive. She frowned. Even if she did find him attractive, it was Brindlemoor Castle that most appealed to her, legend or not.

Looks like theyre going in, Khloe said. I think Ill work my way to the front of the group, you know, to get a better view.
Samantha nodded. Go ahead. Ill catch up to you later.

Greyson paused before opening the double oak doors that led inside the castle. When Brindlemoor was built over eight hundred years ago, he began, they didnt use stairs like the ones weve just ascended. In those days they had to worry about being attacked by all sorts of enemies. So, in order to protect themselves, they used a removable set of wooden steps to enter the castle. This way they could pull them up and into the keep. Or, if need be, theyd burn them.

How often was this castle attacked? asked a tall blond man with a German accent.

To my knowledge, I understand it was attacked quite a few times. Fortunately, no major structural damage was ever done except for the stairs leading to the sea. Theyve deteriorated over time. That is why the Earl doesnt want visitors attempting to tour the grounds on their own. He scanned the group. Are there any more questions?

To Samanthas relief no one spoke up. Greyson proceeded to open the doors and then stood to the side to usher everyone in. When it was her turn to walk by him she kept her head down hoping to avoid contact with his sexy blue eyes.

The sound of his voice stopped her in her tracks. I thought of all our guests, youd be the one to have the most questions.

Surprised by his comment, she stared up at him. Why would you think that?

He leaned against the door. I noticed the way you were looking up at the walls. Your interest in the construction was quite clear. He smiled. The legend must fascinate you.

Taken aback by his observation, she brushed past him. Yes, it does. But right now I dont have any questions.

I hope you dont feel embarrassed by what happened.

Excuse me? she asked.

He closed the doors. Dont let a little mishap prevent you from talking to me.

Im not sure what youre referring to, she lied, but the guests look a little anxious to get on with the tour.

He looked over her head. Yes, I agree. Especially your friend in the short skirt.

You mean Khloe?

Yes. The redhead with the talons.

Samantha looked at him with disgust. Even though Khloes brashness was difficult to ignore, she felt the need to defend the woman. You should know that shes a writer. Shes here to do research.

His eyes widened. Is that so?

Amused by how easily she had maneuvered him into contrition, she grinned. Yes.

Must be an interesting book, he murmured.

Oh, it is. Im hoping shell agree to do a book signing at the store where I work.

He nodded. Pardon me, but Id best move the tour along.

Samantha watched him walk to the front of the group feeling fairly confident that Khloe would improvise a few love scenes, should Greyson ask about her book. Poor Khloe, she thought. But then again, Khloe wasnt poor at all. Too bad Greyson wouldnt give her a chance. He could move up from this tour guide job. She couldnt help but laugh. What a pair theyd make. A refined Englishman and a sexpot from Brooklyn.

Greyson stood before the group. Instead of starting on the main floor were going to begin on the upper level, so please follow me.
He led them down a long corridor to a set of stone steps, but Samantha trailed behind to admire the marble floor. Swirls of black, dotted with specks of silver, glistened beneath her feet. She recalled her grandmothers tales of princesses and noble knights, and wondered how many had walked before her on this very floor.

The notion was silly, she realized. The floors they had walked upon hundreds of years ago were made of stone or dirt. They had also been covered with rushes to hide the odors, unlike this one which was obviously new and had been polished to perfection.

When she reached the staircase, she paused. The group was gone. An eerie silence filled the air. Shaking off the chill that inched up her spine, she climbed the steps. Before she reached the landing, something made her stop. Unable to resist an odd impulse, she splayed her fingers over the cold stone wall. Slowly, she dragged them across the damp rocks. A feeling of despair claimed her.

Samantha, you must find the cross. You must help me. There will be signs to guide you. Do not be afraid.