Page 49 of The Scattered Bones

“I’m glad I returned you to this world.” I fling my arms around his neck, and he laughs as he hugs me close. “What will you do now?” I ask as he releases me.

“First, there’s a temple of mine that needs to be purged of a dark entity.” He smirks, and I shiver at the memory of the jungle where I found Kaid’s hands. “Then? Then I’ll do what I must to stop Hreinasta from inflicting harm on her people. Perhaps she’ll remember the good in her, but if not, I shall rise to challenge her. Now, enough talking to me.” He grabs my shoulders and twists me with a chuckle to where Kaid sleeps. “I will see you soon, and I swear to never be far. Merely speak my name, and I’ll answer. Now, go to your husband.”

I squeeze his hand before striding toward our campsite but only make it halfway when a thought pops into my head. “Stranger?” I smirk at my misstep, but he simply smiles. We’ve grown fond of that term, and in my heart, Death will always be my Stranger. “Lovec’s wife. Could you return her to this world?”

“I could.”

“Would you? For me?”

“For you, my child?” He laughs. “Anything.”

Then The Stranger… Death vanishes into the night. I smile, thankful he hasn’t abandoned me, but glad he granted us our privacy. I want to be alone with Kaid until we’re sick of the sight of each other, and I run until I’m at his sleeping form. He wakes as I settle next to him, his eyes instantly finding mine.

“I finally get to wake beside you,” he mumbles with a smile, and I kiss his forehead softly.

“Are you hungry?” I ask, offering him some of the fresh fruit The Stranger gathered for us.

“I don’t know.” He stares at the melon without moving. “I… I’ve forgotten how to be alive. I don’t know if I’m hungry. I don’t know if I’m thirsty or tired or in pain. All I know is I love you, and I think that’s enough for now. I’ll need help to remember how to live. Will you help me?”

“You don’t need to ask.” I shift so I can use both arms to prepare the fruit without letting go of him. “My wedding vows have not ended. I’ll be with you every step of the way.” I slice the melon and feed him a few bites. The juice drips down his chin as he struggles to chew, and I can tell by his flushed cheeks his failing embarrasses him, so I kiss it off his skin until we both ache from laughter.

“You’re different,” he says, as I encourage him to drink some water before continuing to eat.

“It’s been a long cycle,” I say, concealing just how hellish these past seasons have been,

“Not bad different,” he adds quickly. “You look the same, if not more tanned and scarred, but you know I don’t mind scars.” He smirks, or at least he tries to. “I meant your spirit. When we first met, you were a shell. It was as if you didn’t know how to be alive, and perhaps it’s my ego, but I like to think I helped you, much like you’ll have to help me now.”

“You’re too modest. Everything good about my life is because of you.”

He laughs and then groans in pain, falling silent for a long minute as he catches his breath. “Over our first cycle together, I watched you blossom from a girl who thought she deserved nothing to a strong and vibrant woman. A woman who didn’t accept abuse because those in authority told her she should. It was impossible not to fall in love with you. I tried. I really did. I swore I would be your friend and nothing more, but your appetite for life spoke to my soul. You wanted so much more than your family had condemned you to, and I fell hopelessly in love with both you and the idea that I could give you that future. When I died, your refusal to leave my side proved you were the strongest woman I knew, but looking at you now, I realize I only experienced a fraction of the goddess you are. You’re different, but in a good way, Sellah. I want you to tell me every single detail I missed. Not now because I’m tired, and I worry hearing of your suffering will be too great a strain on my heart, but I have no doubt your stories will prove how incredible my wife is. I can’t wait to relearn everything about you.”

“If we weren’t already wed, I would marry you again,” I say, brushing his hair off his forehead.

“Marrying you was my greatest joy, so I would do it again in a heartbeat. Perhaps when I am well, we can find a temple to Elskere and pledge our vows in a traditional ceremony. I’ll steal you a dress, an obscenely ornate and expensive wedding dress, and then marry you properly.”

“You won’t need to steal me anything.” I gesture to the cart where my horse rests comfortably. Since Kaid no longer lies in pieces inside the chest, I placed the sack of gold and the ceremonial sword from Valka’s temple in it for safekeeping. Seems when The Stranger saved me from War, I still had the expensive blade clutched in my fist, the object of worship worth more money than the riches my parents boasted. Between the weapon and the bag of treasure, we’ll never want for the rest of our lives.

“I’ll tell you all about it when I tell you of my travels, but I managed to steal us enough gold for a lifetime,” I continue, and his eyes snap to mine.

“I cannot wait for that story. Varas would be impressed with that haul.”

“Varas may have helped,” I say with a twinkle in my eye, and Kaid’s mouth practically drops open.

“Wife,” his teasing voice is a warning. “I am too tired for this excitement, but now I’m anxious to hear.”

“Don’t be,” my voice saddens, and I pull him closer. “Most of my stories are filled with pain. I’ll tell you, and while some moments were good, most will sadden you.”

“I still want to hear. I want to share everything with you.” Kaid kisses the bare skin on my chest, and his uncoordinated movements tickle. “Remember at the beginning of our friendship when I asked you to tell me your stories?”

“But I told you I had none, so I listened to yours instead,” I answer.

“Well, now the tables have turned, and I’m here to collect.” He gives me a struggled smile. “You made a promise to give me a story if I gave you mine. Looks like you’re finally going to keep your end of the bargain.”

He lifts his head, barely able to make it more than a few inches, but I understand his request. I lean down, capturing his lips, and we kiss until we can’t breathe. His movements are slow and uncoordinated, but my husband doesn’t let that deter him as he tastes my mouth, my cheeks, my throat. We live eternally in those kisses, our words and breaths and adoration melding together, and it is perfect in its imperfections. As his lips meet mine stroke for stroke, passion for passion, I decide everything I endured was worth it. Every scar, every hunger pang, every fear. I would suffer through all the pain life inflicted on me again, because I’ve loved my thief from the moment I found him in my room, and I’ll love him until I am dust.

The Family

SEASON OF HARVEST, CYCLE 78929

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