Page 130 of Monsters in Love

The winter solstice was when the world shifted and days stretched from darkness into light, and that was exactly what she was doing.

They couldn’t settle in any town, not with Talos and Tarn.

She wouldn’t leave them—neither would Emmi.

And they had all discovered that none of Windhaven’s survivors had much of a taste for Chastry-led living any more. What they did have was an excellent assortment of skills and a large number of rescued animals. In the shelter of the forest, they’d crafted new homes from the remains of the old.

Her heart swelled with joy at the sight of Talos waiting for her beside the cart that had become their home.

“Are you ready?” Talos asked.

“We are.” She stepped into his arms and rested her chin on his pec. “More than. Take me away.”

“As you wish,” Talos rumbled in her ear. His powerful hand flexed at her waist, and a contented vibration, almost like a cat’s purr, enveloped her. “I’ll make sure you’re comfy on our journey.”

Warmth flooded her body.

“I’m sure you will.” She sent him a wicked grin. “But first, Emmi’s and my sugar rolls must earn their keep.”

Emmi snorted. “You meanEmmi’ssugar rolls.”

Isabelle made a face. But in truth, her sister was the superior baker.

Isabelle’s true passion lay in mapmaking, and she intended to gain a name for herself as a purveyor of maps for local travelers. The farther afield their caravan traveled, the more she would be able to add to her knowledge—and the larger the maps she would be able to sell.

Emmi would bake. Talos and Tarn would keep them safe, protect them all from bandits. The other survivors would guard Talos and Tarn’s secret, ensure they weren’t hunted by Chastry zealots.

And Talos would keep her warm at night.

He lifted her onto the driver’s bench of their cart, then joined her in a fluid leap. The pair of oxen they’d rescued seemed to still know him, because they never shied and set off down the road with a click and a light flick of the reins. Ahead of them, the miller led the way. Behind them, Emmi and Tarn followed in the baking cart. A convoy of sinners, setting out to create their own world.

In a strange way, it was everything she and Thomas had dreamed.

She curled into Talos’ side, warm and treasured beneath his wing. She didn’t know what the future held, but in this perfect moment, her life was rich with love and wonder.

The End

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