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She dipped her chin at me, then turned to do the same to Roark. She stumbled back. “All gods. How…”

Roark’s mouth pinched.

“Shit.” Gunter covered his nose and mouth with one palm “Soul bond.”

“What?” Did he sense a connection with this woman and my damn husband? Could someone have two soul bonds?

“There’s a bond.” He nodded at the woman. “Smells close to yours, but it’s heavier. Darkened. Usually means one half has gone to Salur.”

“Forgive me.” The woman chuckled nervously. “For a moment, you looked just like my husband. Impossible, since he passed—”

“Twelve seasons ago?” The question came out rough, low. I already knew the truth.

“Yes. How did you know?”

Roark’s shoulders stiffened.

I closed my eyes and whispered, “Was his name Nivek?”

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Roark

The woman’s dark eyes flashed with something made of fire. From docile to vicious in a single heartbeat.

She threw the basket at Gunter and Lyra. “Don’t you dare touch him.”

Not another word was said and she fled, racing away from the longhouse. I wasted no time and sprinted after her.

Fast as she was, I outpaced her in a dozen breaths. She screamed and kicked when my arms went around her waist, picking her up. Damn the hells, she was feral. The woman knew how to attack, and I had few doubts that come morning my hands and arms would be covered in her marks.

Lyra and Gunter hurried after us.

“Wait.” Lyra held out a hand. “Stop. We’re not…gods, we’re not going to hurt anyone.”

“You touch him and I’ll kill you.”

I let out a hiss when she bit my damn hand.

With a grunt I released her. Frustration, annoyance, and aggravating curiosity took hold. Craft prickled over my throat and skin. Another moment and frigid shadows encircled us all.

She screamed, desperate to flee, but was met with cruel crimson eyes in the darkness.

“Please.” Lyra gripped her wrist. “We’re not going to hurt you.”

“Mother!” A voice cracked from low to pitchy, like it could not determine if it belonged to child or man. Her boy burst from the gates of the farm but stumbled when he took note of the shadows around us.

I gripped his tunic easily and held him in place.

“Please.” The woman fell to her knees. “Please, don’t…don’t touch him.”

“By the gods, we’re not.” Lyra stepped in front of her. “This is my husband. He is Nivek’s brother.”

The woman drew in a quivering breath. She looked to me. “His brother?”

“Meet Prince Roark Ashwood of Dravenmoor, lady,” Gunter said. “Our evil shadow monster.”

Lyra rammed her elbow into Gunter’s ribs. “He’s not evil, I assure you.”