Page 78 of Tea & Alchemy

A shadow shifted in the trees behind Mina. I could just make out the great crown of branches sweeping back from the canine face, eyes glowing like distant flames. Fog shrouded his features with each huff of breath.

“Goosevar is here,” I said.

Her grip tightened. “Is Jack with him?”

From behind Goosevar, a smaller figure stepped to one side. A finger of moonlight reached down through the trees, revealing a lock of red hair.

“Yes.”

She could bear it no longer; still gripping my hand, she twisted to peer into the trees. “Jack?” I could hear the sob in her voice. “Are you well?”

No response came.

“Shall we do what we’ve come here to do?”

Her eyes came back to me. She nodded.

I moved closer, sweeping my thumb over the back of her hand. “With moon, stars, and ancient oaks as our witnesses, with bindweed to hold us to our vows, I take you, Mina Penrose, as my wife.”

She drew a quick breath. “With Jack Penrose—who came with me into this world—as our witness, I take you, Harker Tregarrick, as my husband.”

I smiled to encourage her, though my own heart thudded heavily against my ribs. “I vow to remain yours and yours alone until death shall part us.”

She answered with her own sweet smile. “I vow to remain yours and yours alone until death shall part us.”

Leaning in, I brought my lips close to hers and made a silent, final vow to us both.

And I will end myself before I let this be your life.

Home

Though our kiss was a careful one—light and soft as the brush of moth wings—it changed something in me forever.Yours and yours alone until death shall part us.

Opening our eyes, we shared a moment of perfect stillness. Our first as man and wife.

Then he began to unwind the bindweed. I felt a tingling warmth where the vine had touched my skin, like magic working.

A slight sound behind me reminded me why we were here, and I turned to find Jack stepping into the clearing.

Lifting my hem from the ground, I was about to run to him when Harker set a hand on my shoulder. “Wait.”

As Jack came, Harker’s lips parted, exposing the tips of his fine-pointed fangs. He moved to stand in front of me, gaze locking with Jack’s.

Heart knocking in my chest, I said in a shaky voice, “It’s all right, Harker.”

With his wordless threat delivered, Harker moved slightly to one side.

Jack reached out and took my hands in his. “Mina,” he breathed, green eyes wide and wild in the moonlight.

“Are you well, brother?” Relief, fear, and worry ribboned through my voice.

He cast a glance behind him, and my eyes followed. Goosevar had left us.

“Can you tell me what happened?” I said. “Where have you been?”

“I ... don’t ...” His eyes flitted to Harker, pain and confusion creasing his brow.

“Jack,” I said, dragging his attention back. “It’s all right. Harker has helped me to save you. He’s not the killer.”