Page 19 of The Holly King's Sacrifice

I shake my head, chewing on my lip. “I wouldn’t say that, I guess. He saved me more than I saved him.”

“Every good companionship is built on reciprocity,” Odran says. “If you had left him in that cave, he would be dead.”

“So he’s alright?” I ask, hope welling in my chest.

Odran chuckles. “Yes—our medics were able to extract the venom from the monster you faced in the forest. In fact, he should be on his feet again in time for tonight’s feast, which the two of you so helpfully hunted for these past four days.”

I frown. “Are you sure that’s wise?”

“We traveled across dark space to get here, human,” Odran says. “You can trust that our medical technology is advanced enough to return Ulfric to good health—and besides, he has duties for the night of the solstice.”

“He does?”

His eyes narrow discerningly, watching me like he can’t tell if I’m lying. “Perhaps he should tell you himself; would you like to see him?”

I nod vigorously. “Yes—please.”

He stands. “In that case, I shall take you personally.”

The big warlord walks toward me, his antlers catching on old garlands still hanging from the ceiling. He doesn’t seem to notice, taking me by the arm and looking down at me.

“Ulfric has landed with quite a prize,” he murmurs.

But he doesn’t elaborate as we make our way back out into the snow.

10

Aspen

Ulfricisrestinginhis quarters when we arrive—in the same house where he had me sleep before we left on our hunt. He’s awake and alert, a white salve hardened into a shell on his shoulder. I can see it tinted blue at the center, like it’s drawing out the venom from the bear’s bite.

Ulfric sits up as we enter, Odran big enough that he has to duck under the door frame. Ulfric looks between us, taking in my dirty coat and stringy hair. I’m sure he can see the dark circles under my eyes; I haven’t slept in well over twenty-four hours, staying alert the whole time I carried him back to Christmas.

“Be at ease, brother,” Odran says, putting out his hand. “You need your rest.”

“I did not know you had returned from Marquette,” Ulfric says. “How are our forces to the east?”

“They are well, and growing in number every day,” Odran says. “But we will discuss that after the solstice; for now, rest…and speak with your woman. She had quite the tale to tell.”

Ulfric’s eyes find me, and it seems like he sees right through my coat, through my thermal, down to the very heart of me. I’m brought back to the moments just before the attack, when I was ready to give myself to him…

And now, in this room, I want to pick back up where we left off.

“Thank you, Odran,” he says.

Odran tilts his head, but pauses before he leaves the cottage.

“And Ulfric? You should explain everything—she has earned it.”

I feel a deep sense of pride at his words, and I see Ulfric smile, too. I shrug out of my coat as Odran shuts the door behind him with a thud, sealing the cold air out.

And then I have no idea what I’m supposed to do next.

“I’m glad you’re alright,” I murmur, not looking at Ulfric. “I was worried.”

“Come here, Aspen,” he commands.

I look up to find him extending his arm, ushering me closer. I sit down on the edge of the bed, twisting my hands in my lap. “I’m dirty, though.”

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