Page 35 of A Curse So Vile

He still caused her pain, though she would never let him know this. She did everything she could to shed his affection, knowing she was not meant for love, but he persisted in trying to break down every wall she put up.

For Elric was all heart, and she loved him for it.

Thinking about Elric made her sour. He’d loved her, but she could never return that affection because she knew what she’d become.

Eventually, she gave herself over to him physically. It made sense to her that it was him, because she knew that if she’d never been cursed, it would be him she’d have pledged herself to.

Brenna had just turned sixteen; he was near seventeen. There was a grotto she went to when she wanted to be alone. It wasn’t necessarily a secret, but it was far out of the way and no one ever had reason to travel there. She was swimming when she looked up to see him standing there without a stitch of clothes on.

All her youthful love came rushing back to her. For just that day, she wanted to feel normal. She didn’t shy away from Elric or treat him coldly, and as they swam, Dayla and Icaries played as they had when they were pups.

After their swim, they basked on warm stones during the brief hours of daylight, side by side. It was her decision to couple, but she made sure to disentangle her emotions, so she didn’t confuse what they were to each other.

Elric was eager to please her, as if doing so would somehow change things between them. When she came, he wore a look of fierce pride. It was her first time, and she’d thought for a moment her heart had stopped beating altogether. That would have been a much better way to die than what was in store for her.

Afterward, when she caught him gazing at her, his eyes full of adoration, she grew sick with rage.

He was supposed to be hers; he wanted to be hers. But her time was running out. Instead of having what should have been a warm exchange, she grew crass, ruining what was a perfect experience.

They coupled often over the course of months, but when she realized he wouldn’t take other mates, she knew she had to break him. So she allowed him to walk in on her with another.

It hurt her far more than it did him.

Hot tears ran freely down her cheeks. She loathed those memories and how she’d treated the boy she’d once loved, but what other option did she have? If she had told him of her curse, he would have become obsessed with breaking it, forfeiting his life and eventually ending up with the same broken heart. Best he hate her. Best he find that woman with hair of fire.

Seeing him around the Den grew more and more painful as time passed, so she left to look for answers. She went back every now and then, but never lingered long. It stopped feeling like home.

There’s no use dwelling on the past. I can’t change it. I have to think of Fiona now.

Once they reached the Den, she’d say nothing of the curse. She’d admit to her foul deed, accept her punishment, and answer for her crime. No one need know she was cursed to begin with.

But Cole knows. You told him just a day ago. Dorthea knows as well.

She’d swear them to secrecy. Cole would obey, but Dorthea didn’t like being told what to do. With any luck, the Toggler would choose not to continue on to the Den.

Weary from grief, Brenna settled into bed, hoping for restful sleep, but as she drifted off, she heard the echoes of the witch’s cackle. The one who’d hexed her.

Thirteen years…

She fought against the darkness, but her claws and teeth and keen wit had no effect in the nightmare worlds that’d become her home. She was in the witch’s clutches now, just as she had been for over a decade.

11

BRENNA

Aknock sounded on the door, but Brenna was in no mood for company. She rolled onto her side and placed a pillow over her sensitive ears.

“Brenna! Brenna!”

Fiona?

She shot up in bed.

“Brenna! I need you!” Fiona called from the hall.

Brenna leapt out of bed and opened the door to a distraught Fiona.

How could this be happening so soon?