Page 181 of Whisper of Nightmares

Cautiously, Maryam nods.

“Not only shall my family finance the repairs on your home and cooperage, but I would also like to fulfill the remainder of that obligation. Should your son wish it, the cottage at the edge of the Thorfell estate is his.”

“Lord Dagfinn, we couldn’t possibly⁠—”

Unable to contain her smile, Euphemia rushes to Maryam, taking her hands into her own. “It would be our honor, Maryam. Please. Allow us to do this for you. For your son.”

But the woman is stubborn, perhaps more so with a whole town watching her. “I don’t need your pity or your help. I’ve been surviving just fine without any of this.”

“I know you have,” Dagfinn says. His brow scrunches as he thinks of another approach. Something wicked glimmers in his blue eyes before he says, “I hope you know this is more for me than anything. I want my family’s name associated with something other than bloodshed for once. It’s purely selfish. Really, you would be doing me a favor to accept.”

Maryam eyes him with playful suspicion.

The crowd watches from the edge of their seats.

Finally, she extends her hand. “Fine. But I won’t have my son living in squalor. I trust the cottage will be dusted before his arrival?”

Dagfinn accepts her hand and shakes. “It will be done.”

“And you, Mrs. Varinsson,” Maryam says, and it takes Euphemia a moment to realize she is the missus being referring to. “Don’t forget to come by the cooperage and help me get it cleaned up.”

Euphemia smiles. “Of course. I look forward to it.”

Around them, the assembly has begun to loosen.

People rise from their benches, but they do not hurry toward the doors. They linger in clusters, talking over one another. Some approach Dagfinn and commend his leadership. Others stop Maryam to offer congratulations. A few even approach Euphemia to introduce themselves and welcome her to Thorfell.

“Your husband is a good man,” one of them says to her.

Euphemia smiles until her cheeks ache.

She feels lighter than she has in months.

For once, no one is looking at her as though she is something to fear.

For once, she belongs.

Slowly, the townsfolk begin exiting the assembly hall.

With Dagfinn at her side and Kelda and Maryam chatting behind them, Euphemia feels so unbelievably grateful for this little life she’s carved out for herself.

She’s still smiling as they exit the hall.

Until the feeling is shattered by a sneer through the crowd.

“Go on! Ask the Lady of Thorfell where she learned to wake the dead.”

Euphemia freezes. The townspeople have stopped leaving. They’re gathering around the man shouting.

Percival.

Dagfinn glances down at her.

Percival keeps shouting. “Herbal remedies? To bring back a man who had been all but dead? Ask her where she learned to do that. How she was able to bring Lord Varinsson back from the grave.” A wicked grin splits his face and he looks directly at her. “Ask her about the nightmare that haunted her town.”

Chapter 35

The Desperation of Men