Page 108 of The Sorcerer of Shadowholde

Tears burned her eyes as she felt the warmth of his words, the relief of his embrace. “I love you too. I’m so happy you’re here with me.”

He hummed. “You know, I’m glad I’m here too. It will take some adjustment, but I think I will enjoy being yourpersonal guard.”

She turned to look at him, brow quirked in question. “Personal guard?”

“Renatus is more than capable of protecting you in the dark of night, but you need someone for the light as well.”

Vita shook her head with a laugh, settling back into his arms as the sunlight bathed them in its golden glow. For the first time in a long while, she felt fully content. Like everything might turn out alright. It was a pleasant feeling.

Though, there was still one conversation she needed to have for her own peace of mind.

The three shared dinner in the dining hall, the table set to its usual extravagance. Aurora and Petran had not yet returned, and though Vita was eager to see them, it was nice to be alone with Verian and Renatus.

The conversation was comfortable, almost straying on the side of being too polite. Three people who were still working out how they fit together, though it had warmed her heart when Renatus kissed both of them in greeting.

As the meal winded down, she felt shaky, unsure whether to broach the request of a private conversation, but he made it easy for her.

“Vita darling, would you accompany me on a walk to Shadowholde this evening?” He turned to Verian with a wink. “I promise I won’t keep her to myself fortoolong.”

As Renatus returned his gaze to Vita, she nodded. “Yes, I would… like that.”

This was what she wanted, a chance to speak with him privately and honestly. So why was her heart racing like a horse pulling a chariot?

Verian chuckled. “I was just thinking about checking out the bathhouse again.”

“Enjoy yourself, dear,” Renatus said as he cupped the other man’s cheek, his thumb gently brushing over smooth skin.

Then he stood, offering his hand to Vita, who took it. She exchanged smiles with Verian as Renatus escorted her out of the dining room and towards the front door.

The night was surprisingly warm, her red dress of layered chiffon only giving her a slight chill. It was one of her favorites, though all of Renatus’ gifts were beautiful.

“Where are we going?” she asked as they walked across the bridge.

He tutted, shaking his head. “You’ll see, my dear.”

The walk was pleasant, an owl hooting from one of the tall trees echoing through the night. There were few people out as they walked along the outskirts of the city, avoiding the hustle and bustle of the busy taverns and inns.

Vita had an idea of where they were headed, passing familiar businesses and streets, though she said nothing. Eventually, her suspicions proved correct as they stood outside the entrance to Quercu Coemeterium.

Sturdy oak trees surrounded the cemetery, candles glowing amongst the statues and headstones. The musky-sweet smell of decaying leaves settled in the air, moonbeams lighting their way as Renatus guided her through the crowded rows of graves.

Though it had been some time since she had been here, her pulse quickened when she realized exactly where he was taking her. She looked at him with furrowed brows as they stopped in front of a grave with a simple gray headstone. One she knew well.

“How did you know?” she breathed, emotion welling in her chest.

“I did some research, dear. Thought you might want to visit your old friend.”

Vita gulped back tears as she kneeled in the grass in front of Mariana’s grave.

With a hand on the cool stone, she traced a finger over the old woman’s name. It was small, simple, the best she could do for the woman who’d saved her life, who’d raised her when her parents had refused. Renatus let her have her moment, silent tears falling down her cheeks as she remembered her old guardian.

Mariana would be so proud to see what she could do, the control she now had over her magic.

There was a comforting hand on her shoulder, and she wiped the tears away before standing back up to face Renatus. He pulled her into a hug, running fingers through her hair as she sighed with relief.

“Thank you,” Vita whispered, as if the ghosts of the past could hear. “It’s been too long since I’ve come to see her.”

“You’ve had valid reasons for your absence. I’m certain she would understand.”

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