Page 40 of The Forgotten Life of Ella Moon
“Not this time.”Auroraran a fingertip over his brow.Abroken heart you shall have.Thesimple wordsFatehad spoken, forever cursingThane.Unless…Everycurse could be broken.AndAuroramay have found a way.
“Will you come to me as the sun rises?”Thanewhispered.
“If you wish it.”Shemoved to kiss him again.Hiskisses were more intoxicating than moonbeam wine.
“I wish it,”Thanewhispered as he kissed her again.
Aurora could feel the wish being granted, the stars whispering,“Thatwhich is wished from below shall be granted from above.”
Thane kissed her again before he slid from the bed, rebuttoning his shirt. “Iwill try harder this time.Iwill do better.”
Aurora could feel his sorrow and loneliness.Thatwas the part of being destined to love another that was never spoken of.Itwas more than your strings being tied together.Itwas everything.Hissuffering became hers; likewise, her sorrow, his.WhichmadeThane’scurse even more painful.
Aurora rose up on her knees and kissed his sad mouth. “Weshall both try.”
Thane took her hands in his. “Iwish you would?—”
“Don’t.”Shecut him off.Thestars would hear his wishes and grant them. “Donot wish me away.”
“Not away, love.Justnot in love with?—”
“Thane.”Aurorapressed a finger to his perfect mouth. “Youcouldn’t wish my love away ifIgave you all the stars.”Thanepressed a kiss to her fingertip.Hissorrow was thick and made her head feel heavy.
“My lady.”Thegolden woman fretted at the door.Starswere such impatient things when they took form.
Aurora kissedThaneonce more, then led him to her balcony. “Ishall see you when the sun rises in the mortal land and sets in the underworld.”
“I’ll count every grain of sand that falls through the glass of time.”Thanekissed her hand.
“No, you won’t.You’llbe collecting souls for your father and sipping mortal whiskey,”Aurorascoffed.Evengods had duties that must be fulfilled.
“All while thinking of you, dove.Allof you.”Hiseyes raked up her body. “Withless clothing on, of course.”
“Of course.Nowgo before my father catches you and turns you into a cloud, or worse, a silly star.”AurorapushedThaneinto the shadows that always clung to her balcony.
“ThenIcould gaze upon you all night,” he teased. “Wouldyou make a wish upon me?”
“No,I’dkeep you in a cage and feed you pieces of broken dreams.”Aurorastepped closer to the shadows.Theywere how she moved between the realms.
“AndIwill gladly sing for you.”
Aurora rolled her eyes. “Pleasemake sure broodyThaneis the oneItake to bed tonight.PoetThaneis irritating.”Inthe hallAuroracould hear her mother.
“I’m not broody.”Thanefrowned. “I’monly trying not to break your heart.”
His sadness coated her mouth.Shecupped his cheek. “Ilike it when you’re broody and pouty.”
“I don’t pout.”Hedid just that.
“Yes, you do,”Aurorasaid, pushing him into the shadows just as her father returned to his realm, filling her room with the warm glow of life.
CHAPTER20
AURORA
“Mother,I’msurprised to find you here.Don’tyou have somewhere you should be?”Aurorasaid, walking into the small sitting room her mother,Moon, was waiting in.Moonglittered in the warm light of the heavens.Herpale hair had started to turn yellow, proof she had been away from the night sky for too long.
“Oh, you reek of the underworld.”Moonscrunched up her nose before taking a sip of her wine.
