A weight lifted from his heart, one he\u2019d never noticed before but now, in its absence, he realized he\u2019d been carrying for as long as he could remember. Phelan smiled, his bare fingers brushing against her cheek. She caught his hand and squeezed those fingers gently.<\/p>\n
\u201cWho\u2019d have thought, huh?\u201d she asked softly.<\/p>\n
He laughed and rested his forehead against hers. \u201cI don\u2019t know, Jac. Gods only knew, if anyone.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWanderer, I\u2019m going to ask you a very, very stupid question,\u201d a voice said from somewhere to their left. Phelan winced, recognizing Cariocecus\u2019s almost-familiar drawl.<\/p>\n
\u201cDo you mind?\u201d Phelan asked him, glaring at him out of the corner of his eye. \u201cWe\u2019re kind of in the middle of something.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, yes, congratulations on your imminent nuptials.\u201d The amber-eyed godling waved a dismissive hand. \u201cThis is important, Wanderer. Apologies to the fair angel.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll decide whether or not to accept them once we hear what you have to say, Cariocecus,\u201d Jacqueline said, planting one hand on her hip and giving their enemy turned reluctant ally a level stare. \u201cGet on with it or leave us the hell alone.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMm.\u201d Cariocecus sniffed, then turned to Phelan. \u201cI noticed that you\u2019re out here without your staff. Why in the name of all the gods and monsters of this world and every other would you do something so stupid<\/em>?\u201d<\/p>\n Phelan blinked at him. \u201cI\u2019ve stepped beyond the wards without it before,\u201d he said evenly. \u201cWhy should today be any different?\u201d His eyes narrowed. \u201cWhat\u2019s out there, Cariocecus? What were you coming to warn us about?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s coming back, Phelan,\u201d Cariocecus said softly.<\/p>\n Ice shot down Phelan\u2019s spine. He didn\u2019t need to ask who Cariocecus was talking about. His hand spasmed around Jacqueline\u2019s and she winced.<\/p>\n \u201cHecate?\u201d she asked in a whisper.<\/p>\n Phelan swallowed hard and nodded, unable to speak.<\/p>\n \u201cShe won\u2019t give up on what she wants, Wanderer,\u201d Cariocecus said. \u201cYou know that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe can\u2019t have him,\u201d Jacqueline said, an undercurrent of threat in her voice. \u201cI warned her once. That\u2019s all the warning she gets.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A weight lifted from his heart, one he\u2019d never noticed before but now, in its absence, he realized he\u2019d been carrying for as long as he could remember. Phelan smiled, his bare fingers brushing against her cheek. She caught his … Continue reading