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Sgott nodded. “I’m afraid he died five days ago. The news only came out today, when the council announced an official commemoration would be held in his honor.”

Five days placed it happening when we were leaving Cloondeash. No wonder he’d been so distant and had rushed straight home. No wonder he hadn’t wanted to talk or answer any phone calls, be they urgent or trivial.

“Thought you might want to know,” Sgott continued. “A Myrkálfar mourning period encompasses three to six months, depending on the situation and the stature of the person involved. It’s doubtful he’ll go against tradition in this matter, so you’re unlikely to see him for at least three months.”

I dumped my butty back onto my plate, my appetite suddenly gone.

“Thanks for letting me know. At least now I know why he hasn’t been returning my calls.”

“Aye, thought you might be wondering.” He finished his sandwich, and I motioned him toward mine. He raised an eyebrow, silently asking if I was sure, and then when I nodded, picked it up. “I’ve received an invitation to the official commemoration. Thought you might like to accompany me.”

I wrinkled my nose. “Would I be welcome, though? We’re bedmates, Sgott, nothing more. It’s not like I knew his father at all.”

“No, but it never hurts to pay your respects all the same. I’ve known Cynwrig long enough now to know he’d appreciate the effort.”

“Then go I will.”

If only to see the man who turned my world upside down and had made me hunger for things I’d known could never be, one last time.

“Good,” Sgott said. “I’ll send you the details when I have them, but it’s slotted in for Monday.”

“Monday’s an odd day for a commemoration, isn’t it?”

“Apparently Monday has spiritual and deity significance to the Myrkálfar.”

Which just proved how little I actually knew about their society.

“You want a coffee?”

He shook his head. “I’d best be heading off. I’ve still paperwork to cover before I can head home.” He paused. “You okay?”

I smiled. “Of course. He isn’t the only man in my life.”

But he was the only one who’d immediately threatened my heart.

Of course, Eljin might yet get there, especially now I had at least three months to concentrate on him. But even if everything worked out between us and we did get married, I knew there’d always be a part of me hungering for what I couldn’t have.

I guess I really hadn’t moved beyond my teenage addiction to dark elves.

Sgott studied me for a second longer, then nodded and left. I waited, arms crossed, until the tavern’s music told me he’d gone.

Only then did I let the prickling tears fall, and grieved for a relationship that had ended before it had ever really started.