Page 201 of Fearless

I stare into the face of a ghost. She stares back.

Scarred flesh climbs up the side of her neck. Mutilated skin stretches across her features before disappearing into that lilac hair. Only one half of her sharp face bears the remnants of my hatred.

I can still feel her soft skin beneath my palm, feel the heat of that raging fire I forced her into.

I expect that rage to resurface now. I expect to crave that revenge on Adena’s behalf and ache to finish what I apparently did not the first time.Blair seems to anticipate the same, because I watch her shoulders tense beneath the cloak slung over them.

But I feel nothing. I do nothing.

We stare at each other for several beats of my clamoring heart.

In another lifetime, she was my enemy. Here, she is a stranger.

I do not wish to avenge Adena any longer. I wish for her to rest.

So, with a slight nod of my head, I let Blair go.

She returns the silent peace offering with a dip of her chin.

“Mommy! Daddy! Look what I found!”

Kit steals my attention with a flurry of limbs and the waving of what must be the best rock in all of Tando. Kai scoops her into his arms, feigning astonishment for the gift she sets in his palm. I, too, look impressed by Kit’s finding as I smooth her wild hair.

And when I finally glance over at that shadowed corner, the ghost is gone.

Kai catches my flitting gaze. Holds it gently. Tilts his head.

“Not-so-vicious little thing,” he murmurs endearingly.

Of course the Wielder knew she was here.

I blow out a breath before stealing our daughter from his arms. “Don’t get used to it.”

“I wouldn’t want to.”

We continue down the sun-drenched street.

Onward, always.

A king. A queen. A princess. A rock and an ear of corn.

Those we have lost walk alongside us, their memory warming our scarred hearts.

We are those we loved.

I tilt my face to the sky and let the sun brush warm fingers over it. The soft rays are a comfort I embrace like an old friend.

My husband stands at my side, just as he always has and always will.

He smiles, and it’s the one meant solely for me. Kit copies her father, though only one stolen dimple peeks out on her right cheek.

I flick them both lightly on the nose. This draws a giggle from Kit and that ceaseless look of reverence from Kai.

I smile back, just as Adena taught me to.

This life is sweet.

Like honey.

---