When he finally found his own pleasure, Alaunus collapsed on the mattress next to her, curving her limp form into his chest.
Exhausted from days without sleep and more pleasure than she thought herself capable of experiencing, Aveta tucked her face into his shoulder. “I love you, my Fin.”
Then she drifted into the peaceful sleep of the blessed.
The next morning,Bran and Caderyn arrived with the dawn, their banging on the door dragging both Aveta and Alaunus from the warmth of her bed.
Alaunus’ father was overwhelmed by the news that his son was once again brimming with good health. Even Caderyn seemed awed by the ‘miracle’ that Aveta had wrought.
True to his word, Bran agreed to wed the pair the next day. He even embraced Aveta, placing a kiss on her forehead. “You have given me two gifts beyond any price I could pay,” he stated. “My son is alive and well by your hand and you carry my son’s child. These are blessings I will always remember.”
Caderyn was less effusive, but he did nod in approval before walking out the door of her cottage.
Alaunus did not want to leave when his father mentioned it. He argued with Bran, stating, “As she will be my wife tomorrow and she already carries my child, no one will care if I am here tonight. I doubt anyone will notice.”
“Son, the village knows of your illness. Many have prayed to the god and goddess for you, offering sacrifices on your behalf. You must show your gratitude to the people who have given so much for your good health.”
Alaunus sighed because his father had a valid point. “Very well. I will go into the village with you today, but I will return to Aveta’s cottage after nightfall.”
Bran’s frustration faded at his son’s words. “I felt much the same when I wed your mother. Though she still lived with her parents at the time and her father was determined to keep me away from his daughter until after the vows.” The older man laughed at the memory. “Not that it helped. Your mother would sneak out of their home every chance she had.”
Aveta kissed Alaunus and bade them all farewell, watching from the doorway of her cottage as they walked toward the village.
As the trio disappeared from view, a shadow passed over her garden. A chill crept up her spine when she glanced at the sky and realized that the expanse of blue held not a single cloud.
She shivered, but not because of the cool morning air. A sense of foreboding filled her when, one by one, the birds singing around her cottage fell silent.
Aveta was certain that the evil that harmed her beloved was far from done. A final battle would be fought and she had every intention of leaving the field victorious.
Somehow, she understood that her fate, and the fates of those she loved most, depended upon the outcome.
