Page 145 of The Shadow Fae Rhapsody
The male gazes at me, mildly surprise at the mention of his name. “You can read dwarven letterings?”
It’s all thanks to Kheirall’s stupid necklace, but I don’t have time to get into that.
The male grins at me, all teeth. “You continue to surprise me, vampire. Call me Rollo.”
“They’re coming back for you,” I warn him swiftly.
“Well, let them come. I’m going down fighting,” he says, cracking his knuckles.
This blacksmith may have a warrior’s spirit in him, but he won’t stand a chance against thirteen elven soldiers out for blood.
I reach out and bend the metallic bars of the holding cell to give a wide enough room for the dwarf to escape. “Go.”
His mouth drops as he stares at me and my bizarre strength. Survival instinct quickly kicks in him and he moves to the opening.
Rollo suddenly pauses. “You’re not coming?”
“No.” I extend my arm to the selection of weapons jutting from the flesh over my arm. “Take one.”
He hesitates at my offer. Well, technically, anyone would balk if a gift is presented to them in this grotesque manner. I pull the stupid dwarven dagger that fucked everything for me today. It’s harmless now.
“This one may suit you best.” I offer the beautiful, smooth blade to him.
The dwarf’s eyes bulges at the sight of the thing in my hand. His knees crashes to the ground as shock and horror flash upon his face.
“How did you have this in your possession?” he asks, his deep voice breaking. He backs away from the weapon as if expecting it to grow teeth.
“It comes with a powerful curse,” the male says, finally taking another breath.
I know,I almost tell him.
A long beat passes when he finally gathers his wits. The dwarf takes the weapon with shaky hands, inspecting it closely. “But it’s completely purified now.”
My wife did that.
Yes, Nel cleansed that thing from all its evil. Pride soars in my chest amongst the pieces of my shredded heart.
“Are you sure you want me to have it?” Rollo asks again.
I merely nod in dismissal.
“I will never forget this kindness.” He taps my shoulder. “You’re a good man.”
The words shouldn’t have meant anything. I’m a vampire for fuck’s sake, but my chest tightens at the remark.
I’m a better person because of Nel.
The dwarf sneaks through the opening and disappears into the shadows.
Pain explodes in my knee from a spear embedded there. I ignore it. The wait is excruciating. I can’t stand another second knowing that she hates me, or worse, she’s afraid of me.
You’re my mate.
She told me yesterday, before everything went to hell. I want to hear her voice once again, calling my name, asking me of my day, and the books I read.
I want to see her. I want to hold her.
God, I just need her.
