Total pages in book: 46
Estimated words: 43414 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 217(@200wpm)___ 174(@250wpm)___ 145(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 43414 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 217(@200wpm)___ 174(@250wpm)___ 145(@300wpm)
Aura stood at Declan’s side, her hand caught in his, her heart soaring in a way she had never imagined possible.
“I am so pleased that your mum, da, and two sisters are here, and how easily and warmly they accepted me as your wife,” she said.
He squeezed her hand gently. “The news that I would wed, and my curse was gone thrilled them beyond belief, which was obvious by how my mum cried copious tears when she arrived and was able to hug me. And after speaking with you, she told me I was blessed to have someone as wonderful as you for my wife and agreed with what I had told her. That you are the perfect woman for me. My sisters also agreed. And my da was relieved he didn’t have to worry about me anymore. While I am glad they are thrilled with you, the only thing that truly matters to me is that I love you and always will.”
He was about to kiss her when Irina’s voice rang out.
“Aura! Aura!” The young woman pushed through the crowd, her cheeks flushed pink with joy. “I’ve found him—the perfect man. You’ll see. I’ll be wed next!” She twirled in delight, her words drawing laughter and teasing cheers from those nearby since she had not been the first woman to let Aura know she had found a man to wed.
Clan leaders approached them, offering blessings for a fruitful marriage. They also praised Declan for the chance to make beneficial marriages for their daughters, while some were just pleased their daughters had found a man to wed.
Aura smiled as another woman thanked her and darted off, then turned at the sound of familiar voices. Her parents stood together, dressed in autumn colors, deep golds and russet reds, a striking pair that drew every eye. Her mother’s smile softened as Aura moved to her.
“Tell me true, Mum,” Aura said quietly. “Was it you who sent Declan to me?”
Theodora’s eyes glimmered. “I gave him a nudge when the time was right. But the rest, daughter, was his doing.”
Aura’s throat tightened with emotion. She squeezed her mother’s hand. “I don’t know whether to be annoyed or grateful.”
“Then be both,” her mum said, “but know what I do for you and your sisters is because I love the three of you with all my heart.”
Aura’s eyes turned wide. “What have you done to Ingrid and Fawn?”
The music kept others from hearing her mum’s words as Aura stood listening, shaking her head the whole time.
Later, when the noise of the hall swelled around them, Declan drew Aura close into a shadowed alcove, his lips brushing her temple. “So, it was you who summoned your da when you realized William for what he was,” he murmured.
She nodded. “I had no choice. I used the hag stone to call him as I tried to reach the keep. I knew how powerful a warlock could be. We could have never defeated him. My da was our only chance.”
A wry smile tugged at Declan’s mouth. “Aye, and I’ll not deny I’m glad you did. For I had no idea how to battle such power. But the whole witch thing is still a bit shocking and definitely bewildering.”
“Worry not,” she said, hoping to reassure him. “My power nowhere near matches my da or mum’s. My power lies with plants. I can connect with them and in turn understand them and how they can benefit people.”
“So, you don’t go putting spells on people or cursing them? Because I have to tell you I am really done with curses, though I wouldn’t say nay to putting one on your mum, a tiny one and only for a short time.”
She laughed softly. “She can be a handful.” Her smile faded. “Are you all right with this, with… witches?”
He brushed his lips over hers. “I love you, all of you, though I think I should talk with your da and get a lesson or two in the fine art of fighting warlocks?”
She chuckled and her heart melted that he would fight warlocks for her, proving just how much he loved her, and she kissed him, sealing the promise they had made before all.
Across the hall, Theodora and her husband moved to leave. His silver hair gleamed in the firelight as he bent to murmur in her ear, his tone dry. “You’ve meddled in Ingrid’s and now Aura’s love life. You will not meddle in Fawn’s love life. Leave it be, Theodora.”
Her lips curved in a secretive smile. “Too late, husband. It’s already brewing.”
THE END