Page 126 of Song of the Dark Wood

“Well, she looks fine,” Charlie confirmed. “She’s just as bright as always.”

Rowan smiled at him as she swiped a biscuit from the tray. “Goddess above, I’m starving!” she said as she sank into the chair by the fire.

She hadn’t realized until she saw the food just how hungry she was, but she found herself hoping that Charlie would bring another tray because she was ready to eat all that he’d brought for the two of them.

When she looked up, both Charlie and Conor were staring at her as she shoveled food into her mouth. “What?”

“You’re just a bit of a puzzle, love,” Conor stated. “We don’t understand how I could have taken something from you, and yet you’re fine already. You should be exhausted. Last time you slept for a day.”

“What was different this time?” Charlie asked.

Rowan flushed with heat, unable to meet his eyes. She went back over everything in her head. The position was different, as was the intensity between them.

“I told her I loved her,” Conor said quietly.

Charlie didn’t seem the slightest bit surprised. “And here I thought that was something only I would ever know,” he laughed. “I’m impressed. He’s stubborn as a mule, and yet you’ve moved that icy old heart. And did you say it back, Rowan?”

“Yes, after I told him I hated him,” she said, cramming another biscuit into her mouth.

“Of course. Perfectly understandable,” Charlie teased. “Perhaps it’s that. You’ve never been in love with one of the Maidens before.”

Rowan studied Conor carefully. Something flickered in his eyes that formed a ball of jealousy in her stomach.

“Is that true?” she challenged.

Conor frowned. “Yes.”

Rowan narrowed her eyes. She had no right to be jealous. There were many Maidens before her, and Conor had lived for centuries. Of course he had a past. She didn’t like the inequity that it created between them—that he was her only love and she wasn’t his.

“Are you jealous, little Red?” Conor asked.

“No, why would I be jealous?” she asked, feigning indifference.

He licked his lips, and she knew he was tasting her lie. “I’d be happy to clear things up for you or allow you to work through that jealousy,” he said with a feral smile.

“I think it’s quite clear. That won’t be necessary,” Rowan countered. She hated that he could taste her lies, but she felt the same proprietary claim to him that he did to her.

“Your jealousy is delicious,” he sighed.

“All right, all right, you two look like you’re about two minutes from pouncing on each other again. Focus, please. Now, was anything else different?” Charlie asked.

“She gave me permission to take it,” Conor said.

Rowan sat up straighter. “That’s right. I gave consent.”

Charlie considered. “That’s something that never occurred to the elders or us. Perhaps that’s the key to this. She’s a magical being. If she willingly offers her power to you instead of you just taking it, maybe it creates a different balance. Perhaps that’s why she’s eating like a wild beast now. Instead of being drained, she’s simply able to rebuild with nourishment.”

Rowan and Conor stared at each other. Could it be so simple?

“Only one way to find out. You’ll have to try it again. Con, if this works, it changes everything.” The reaper looked at the god of death and smiled. “You could get control of the Dark Wood again and stop losing power to the Mother.”

32

ROWAN

Rowan hesitated on the dock leading up to the Crone’s cottage. Faith was new to her, and she struggled to figure out who she could trust with what information. Although she and Conor had tested their theory and proved it held true, she wanted validation and wisdom from the Crone.

The sun was high in the sky, casting blinding light on the lake’s surface and warming the cold winter air.

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