Page 49 of Snowbound with the Alpha Wolf

A brilliant green flash filled the clearing. She knew, without looking,that the goddess stood beforeher.

Darcy lifted her troubled gaze to Danu’s serene visage, the lady’s thick, red hair tumbling down to her waist, her body clothed in a simple, green gown, her eyes like sparkling emeralds. So lovely. So capable of manythings.

Can you give me my heart back? Or shut it away so it doesn’t hurtanymore?

“What do you wish,child?”

“I wishto be free of serving you as a Changeling Shifter.” Shame crept over her. “I lost my powers and my abilities to shift into other forms when I fought and killed Lars in themine.”

“Are you certain this is what you wish?” Danu’s sweet, gentle voice reminded Darcy of wind chimes in a gentlebreeze.

Being a Changeling had been a blessing and a curse. A blessing because it gave her freedomto be whatever shewished.

A curse because other shifters looked upon her with suspicion. She could never have friends, never join them because they didn’t trusther.

Darcy nodded. “If you will allow it, mylady.”

“Very well. You have served me faithfully, Darcy. You showed tremendous courage and strength in the mine. I now release you of any obligation of further assignments.I have provided money for you, enough for you to live on for many years, in your bank account. You are free to go wherever you want, do what youwish.”

Bowing her head, she felt the goddess lay a hand on her shoulder. Warmth tingled down herspine.

“Remember, Darcy, your heart will lead the way if you ever getlost.”

And then Danu vanished, as quickly as she’darrived.

A lump clogged Darcy’s throat. She was free to do whatever she wanted. Go where shewanted.

Why, then, was she somiserable?