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Gwen cringed. She didn’t like where this conversation was going.
“I plan to see him dead in the ground before my work is done.” Lancelot’s expression grew dark. “Once that is done, I look forward to facing you in battle.”
Grinn chuckled. “We shall see.” Standing, he padded toward Doc’s house. He shifted into his cat form before reaching the threshold, as otherwise he wouldn’t fit through as a demon. Why he didn’t pick his human form, she didn’t know. She decided she didn’t care.
Gwen’s shoulders slumped. What was she doing? Could she really stand against Mordred knowing that the people around her wanted him dead? A delicate hand rested on her shoulder.
“Fret not, dear child. The dice have not yet stilled their roll. We know not how this shall yet unfold.” It was Zoe. Her voice was as smooth as silk, gentle and kind. Gwen turned to her and was instantly fascinated by her purple eyes, which looked so much like amethysts it was astonishing.
No wonder Galahad had fallen in love with her.
“I am the Gossamer Lady. It is an honor to meet you, our savior.” Zoe leaned forward and kissed her cheek.
“I—uh—I heard about you from Galahad.” Gwen felt her cheeks go warm in response—she must be blushing.
“How is my knight?”
“Misses you terribly, but otherwise fine. He was a good friend to me.” Gwen smiled at her.
Zoe let out a quiet breath. “All I wish for is one more chance to hold him. I hope the fates are so kind.”
“I hope so too.” Gwen couldn’t imagine what it was like to be apart from someone she loved for so long. Or maybe she could.Damn it, you idiot. You can’t be in love with Mordred.
As if hearing her thoughts, Zoe’s expression turned sad and sympathetic. She pulled Gwen into a hug. It felt like being hugged by a cloud. “Be true to your heart, child. All else leads to madness.”
Gwen nodded, knowing that was extremely true. But with no idea what she could do about it. Nothing at the moment, at any rate. Her stomach grumbled loudly, and she laughed quietly. “Sorry. Apparently, I miss hamburgers.”
“I do hope he has not only made meat.” Zoe sighed. She must be a vegetarian. That tracked.
“I’m sure he made you something.” Gwen glanced over at the home. “He seems to know everything.”
“That is the way of that wizard.” Zoe shook her head. “A strange creature, even amongst those of us who are truly bizarre. Tell me, my dear child.” She took Gwen’s hands in hers. “How fare you?”
“I’m holding up, I guess…I don’t really have a choice.” It was weird to have somebody care after listening to Grinn bitching at her for the, well, whole time he’d started speaking to her. “I’m confused and don’t know what to do. Oh, and I got shot by an arrow, that still sucks.”
Chuckling, Zoe leaned in and kissed Gwen’s forehead. In that moment, a strange warmth filled her. Like standing in bright, wonderful sunlight. The ache in her side slowly faded and then was gone.
Zoe smiled in that way that only ancient, wise creatures could smile. It reminded Gwen of her grandmother, even if Zoe looked no older than Gwen. “I can only remedy one of those things, I fear.”
“Thank you.” She peeked down at the wound. Sure enough, it was healed, and a pink scar was left behind. “I don’t know how to repay you.”
“You will in time, I am more than certain.” Zoe turned from Gwen and began to walk inside, her wings almost seeming to glitter in the evening sun.
Gwen smiled at Lancelot. “Food?”
He nodded once. “I have had nothing but greenery these past two days. I adore the Gossamer Lady and am endlessly grateful for her hospitality. But I think I am about to die from hunger.”
She laughed. “Not much of a salad guy, huh?” It was so good to see him. So good to know he was okay. At least for now.
“If by that you mean a bowl of dry lettuce, carrots, and raw potatoes, then yes.” He made a quietblehsound.
“Ew, please tell me you didn’t eat the raw potatoes.” She began walking inside with the knight.
“I am notthatfoolish.” Lancelot’s armor melted back into him, much like Mordred’s could do, leaving him in britches and a white shirt tucked into gray pants. Before they went inside, he caught her hand and turned her back to face him. “Gwendolyn Wright, I cannot thank you enough for what you have done. I…” His expression turned strange and fearful. “I cannot describe what being trapped inside that Crystal was like.”
It was clear he would have nightmares about it for a very long time. Hugging him again, she rested her head on his chest. She felt terrible for betraying Mordred. She really did. And she missed the Prince in Iron. To say she had complex feelings about him would be to put it mildly. But she decided she did not, under any circumstances, regret the Crystal being destroyed.
At least not yet.
