Page 44 of Heimlock

“I think life holds chapters we don’t expect. And I don’t think I’m the final chapter for him.”

I stare at her, struggling to comprehend. “Why did you marry him then? Have a baby?”

Rhuth gives me an odd look. “Are you going to die tomorrow?”

“I don’t know.”

“Me either. Doesn’t mean I need to lie down today in anticipation of the possibility. You should always love like you have both forever and nothing promised. The potential for devastation should never dictate how you connect with others. My gut tells me that I’m not with Fynn forever. That doesn’t mean these last ten years are wasted; nor does it mean having a baby with him is folly. It means I’m going to love him deeply until life forces otherwise.”

With that, she pushes off the counter and walks back to the loaf of bread. From here, I can tell it’s my favorite. She didn’t know I was coming over, but Rhuth prepared for me.

I want to ask her more, but Fynn barges through the front door. “My love! I’m home and come bearing gifts!”

Rhuth transforms, her energy immediately radiating love. There’s no question of how she feels about him, which leaves me even more confused by her words.

“Is it a pet sphinx?” she says, hopeful.

Fynn walks into the kitchen, larger than life, proudly holding up a bulging bag. “Better. I bought you more of that disgusting ice cream you’ve been craving. Had to stop at two markets to find it. Turns out it’s not a popular flavor. Can’t reason why, though.”

Rhuth laughs, flinging her arms around him. Casting me a grin, Fynn wraps her up in his arms, inhaling her scent.

Together, they look so happy. I can’t imagine a future where they aren’t happy together. I hope there never comes a day where her words make sense. For my brother’s sake, and mine, I hope her gut is wrong.

17

Having never been to Fynn’s before, I examine the yard. Peonies burst from curated bushes, but everything else looks like it needs watering or a fresh coat of paint. He doesn’t seem to be the type to neglect anything, but I can’t also claim to know him well.

Knocking on the door, I wait patiently.

When the door swings open, I realize that I hadn’t paused to consider what ‘family’ meant.

Blood drains from my face as Trinte grins at me, fangs flashing in the moonslight. “Welcome to the Gleanscale home. Can I take your coat?”

Confused, I look at my bare arms. “I don’t have a coat?”

One blue eye and one swirling orb flick over me. “Shirt?”

I scoff, rolling my eyes. “Get out of my way.”

He chuckles, stepping aside. “Let me know if you change your mind.”

Trinte’s good mood is jarring. Is he like this only with family?

“Is that Kyrielle?” Talia calls out.

Moving past the confounding Dragon, I peer around the home, taking in all the plants. It smells delicious, like garlic and something roasting. Behind me, Trinte shuts the door.

His heat warms my back as he murmurs, “To the right.”

Goosebumps pepper my skin at his low voice, but I ignore it. Instead, I turn down the short hallway on the right and enter the kitchen. Inside are my favorite people, plus Fynn, whom I’m beginning to appreciate.

After all the obligatory greetings, I sit on the stool next to Talia. There’s a glass of very expensive Minga in front of me. I frown.

“That’s my seat.”

Trinte’s crowding behind me again, seemingly determined to invade my space today.

“Sorry,” I rush out. Talia watches me with an inscrutable look as I scramble off the stool, shuffling to its neighbor.