With a quick pop of my knuckles, I drifted further into the shade of the trees to await the conclusion of the day’s trial.
I didn’t venture any closer to the commotion than absolutely necessary—those folk were exhausting.
I quietly watched Ginger as I waited.
She was so lovely, my wife. So graceful. Her hair was tied up elegantly, exposing her long neck and delicate collarbones. She moved like a leaf drifting upon the wind.
I swallowed, quelling my body’s reaction to her. The task was nearly impossible.
She was even more stunning awake than she was asleep.
Even more exquisite in the light of day than when she was home, alone, when she thought nobody was watching.
The fates had crafted her perfectly for me, placing her in my path just when I needed her most. Why wasn’t she ready for me, as I was for her?
She had accepted my courting gifts—did that mean her heart was softening?
A voice sounded next to me, startling me from my near trance.
“Enjoying the festivities?” an old woman asked. I glanced at her sidelong. She was short, extremely so, and long silver hair hung down the length of her back. Natural magic radiated from her in subtle waves. A witch, then.
I straightened. “Enough.”
She nodded tightly. “And why are you here?”
I looked at the woman again, more thoroughly this time. Howdareshe question my presence. “It is an open invitation, is it not?”
“To residents of Moonvale.” Her gaze was stern. Unyielding.
“And who is to say I’m not a new resident?”
“We both know you’re not from here. I’d wager you’re far,farfrom home.”
I hid my shock behind a stony mask. I would never admit that I had no memories of home. No memories of anything. I simply said, “Perhaps.”
“Be on your way, then. We don’t need the likes of you around here stirring up trouble.”
“The likes of me? How dare you?—”
“Just leave us alone, Dark One. This town has been through enough. Trouble will find you. Be far away when it does.”
The crone drifted off without another word, and without a sound. I could hardly even feel her presence as she departed.
A cat meowed somewhere behind me. It sounded old. Scratchy.
Whispers of unease trailed over my shoulders.
I hadn’t even noticed the witch’s approach. And Ialwayssensed the approach of others.
I knew one thing for certain—I wouldnotbe heeding her warning.
I had nowhere else to go.
My sole reason for existing was here.
And if Ginger was here, I would be too.
CHAPTER 20
