Page 196 of A Bond in Blood

And my soul was the one guiding me in this moment.

Calling him to me.

“Face me you coward!” I shouted.

The lightning cracked with my words like it had filled the sky the day his black ship and right hand had claimed me. I peered over the hill sloping down toward the sea the cottage overlooked.

Mist came from the water as thick, dark shadows.

He was coming.

Hands wrapped around me, pulling me back.

“I cannot rid myself of you,Ursa,”he whispered into my ear. He flipped me around, forcing me to meet his eyes hidden behind the death mask tight across his face.

“You liar,” I said calmly.

“So, you do not have to bury the blood. It still makes quite a tale,” he laughed.

I slapped him.

His eyes went dark, and he gripped my wrist. “Did you call me to slap me?”

“Iknow,” I seethed.

His expression turned to one of panic.

“Brenna.” His tone dropped.

My hand went to my gown, pulling two letters out, throwing them at his face.

“Is it Ulrich or Leif? I’m not sure anymore.”

The papers fell to the ground at his feet, but he did not pull his eyes up. The lightning cracked in the sky again while the rain grew thicker. Plastering my hair to my head.

Soaking us both.

“I demand answers.”

His eyes rose upward.

“Now.”

He was silent.

“Ulrich! Do not make me hate you further than I already do!”

“You—” He paused, and his chest lifted with his breaths. “Are maddening.”

More lightning.

I scoffed. “I am maddening?”

He rushed toward me, pulling me into his arms. Pressing my body to his.

“What is it that youknow?” he whispered. “Tell me, Brenna.”

I gulped.

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