Page 144 of Summer of Sacrifice

“Agatha Louise Joubert!” Tindle shouted a few moments later, Dulci and Anne trailing behind him as he lugged his bag and kicked leaves out of his way. “If this is not the most stunning venue for a macabre bride such as yourself!”

Augustus trudged up, breathless, with several bags in tow. “Where should I put all these?”

“Dear Augustus,” Winnie tutted. “We have magic for these inconveniences.” She flicked her wrist and all the bags formed a neat line in the air and floated toward the cottage.

“Ah, well, thank you,” he murmured, amazed. “Where are Gaius and Arielle?”

“Here!” Arielle said with a little hop. She and Gaius were headed toward them from the direction of the barn.

Grimm started chuckling, most likely thinking the same thing Agatha was. Their thoughts were confirmed by Gaius’ wan face.

“Erm,” Arielle said, half-laughing. “Gaius wanted to check on an owl he met while staying here in the Spring.”

“Cossette,” he muttered, face still blanched.

Arielle tugged at his sleeve and giggled. “I’m afraid he got more than he bargained for.”

“Gods, did you see Asa and Sorscha’s reunion?” Winnie said, rolling her eyes and heading for the cottage. “Steer clear of the barn until the animals are done mating.”

Chapter

Twenty-Seven

GRIMM

He was more nervous than the first time he’d married her.

“Cold feet?” Gaius teased him, punching his shoulder with a grin. So many thoughts assaulted him as he regarded his friend, his brother.

“I wish we’d had just one more carefree Summer,” Grimm said instead of answering him. “One more Summer of campfires and laughter, not a care in all the realms.”

Gaius’ smile didn’t falter, and it broke Grimm’s heart. “I have to believe we will again. Isn’t that why we’ve done all of this? For simple Summers and freedom? We’re so close.”

Grimm pushed away the emotions threatening to cave in his chest like a cadaver’s, reaching forward to grasp Gaius by the shoulders. He pulled him in for a quick embrace. “And we shall succeed, my friend.”

Gaius broke away. “Your sister has requested an audience with you before we begin. I’ll send her in.”

“Gaius.” His friend looked over his shoulder, almost to the door. “If it’s her that you’ve chosen, promise me you’ll let her know. Promise me you won’t let anything happen to her.”

Grimm watched Gaius’ head cock, then he nodded, his throat bobbing. “I promise.”

Arielle was laughing when she came into the cramped room meant for storing all of Agatha’s potions. His sister’s countenance was lighter than air. The door clicked shut behind her, and her smile remained, though it changed, and he realised it was Gaius who’d caused that smile when he’d left the room and sent her in.

“My brother the god,” Arielle teased.

Grimm chuckled “My sister the Death Seer.”

She walked forward and threw her arms around his waist, her head tucked against his breastbone. Immediately, he folded his arms around her, squeezing too tightly.

“I remember some of our lives as siblings now.”

Arielle pulled back, reaching up to straighten his cravat perfectly by her senses alone. “Anything of note?”

“You’ve always been a delightful pain in my arse.”

She laughed, swatting at his chest. “You’re lucky you’re about to marry an incredible witch in that waistcoat or I would have punched you in your gut and wrinkled it all to Hades.”

Pushing her playfully, Grimm laughed. “You’re about as terrifying as a rabbit.”

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