Page 85 of A Curse So Vile

"What was it, exactly?"

"For a time, I'd thought I was cursed and doomed to hurt those I loved. I didn't want to cause you pain."

"Brenna..." Elric said, his tone laced with sadness. "You should have told me."

"As you said, it worked out. Anya is beautiful, by the way."

"She's perfect, and her family is amazing."

"I'm happy for you, and hope Anya feels at home here."

They rejoined the group, and Brenna's heart warmed at the sight of old friends coming together to welcome those new to them.

"Fiona seems to have taken to Eileen," Cole said, taking a place by her side. "Which is surprising because she's never shown any interest in weapons."

"Brunder is going to be a character." She chuckled as she watched him stomping around the room, telling grand stories to the gathered children.

"So, tell me what's next?" Cole asked casually.

"I was thinking of traveling again."

Cole spiked a brow. "And where are you thinking of taking us?"

"Where I intend to go, I'm not entirely sure you'd want to follow."

"Jokes on you, because I'd follow you into the blight."

"Would you follow me back to Ossory?"

"Those crazy blokes?"

"I want to get to know my people and see what’s in their hearts."

"Before we leave..." Cole grew suddenly nervous. "Fancy a ceremony?"

Brenna cocked her head to the side. "You mean a binding ceremony?"

"If it suits you."

"I believe it suits me very well." Brenna went up on her toes and pulled Cole down into a soulful kiss.

"Damn you, woman. The things you do to me."

“Oh, trust me, Heartlander. You do them right back.”

The End