Never before had she needed shelter from storms or the cold. Such things were unknown in her world.
While they had buildings made of stone or gold, they weren’t needed for protection. They were there simply for convenience.
And though she’d always been “happy,” she’d never known the type of joy that filled her whenever she thought of Valteri.
If only she belonged here.
And Valteri…
Son of Jaden. How would her husband react if he ever learned the truth of his father? Where would he belong, then?
On earth?
Or with the other gods?
Guardians forbid that he ever reside with his father. Kadar and Azura would use him against his father, and there was no telling how they’d abuse him for their sick entertainment.
It was enough to make her lose her mind. And that wasn’t even counting the small matter of the old crone who wanted her dead.
But only after she watched Valteri die.
Ariel clenched her teeth against the bitter wave of resounding pain that reminded her she couldn’t escape the horrors of this world without a price that was too dear to pay.
The death of Valteri.
How could she break an unbreakable curse? Once such a thing was unleashed, it had to play out.
Why?
Those were the rules. She’d be yet another tragedy for poor Valteri.
Nay, she corrected, she’d be his last trial, and he was the first lesson for her.
A lesson on how to love. How to cry.
Damn them all for it.
What good could come of the newfound feelings inside her when they would only cause her heartbreak for all eternity?
One single tear slid down her cheek. Could she find some way to protect him, to keep him safe from all of them and their sick machinations?
A knock sounded on the door.
Ariel wiped the tear from her cheek and cleared her throat. “Enter,” she called, expecting Wace, but instead Mildred walked in.
Anger and hatred stung her breast, but as quickly as it appeared, it died. She couldn’t really hate the woman for what she’d done. Not after being in their world and sampling the raw intensity of their emotions, especially that of true human love. She well understood the woman’s motivations.
Her need to strike out.
But she’d never understand how Mildred could punish innocent people in her hatred.
What was wrong with her?
The crone moved forward with a tray laden with covered dishes. “Lord Valteri bade me set a table for the two of you to sup here this even.” She placed the tray on the small, round table that rested before the fire.
Ariel watched her slow, methodical movements as she prepared the table for their meal.
The woman appeared serene and completely at ease with her treachery.
