The Lost God

by Sheila Masterson

To all those who will never be too old for a good bedtime story.

Marriage seemed a tool used to contain women, all while convincing them they’d gained valuable proof of their worthiness.

She’d always been someone else’s—first, the huntmaster’s daughter. Next, she’d become some man’s wife. She would never belong to herself. The wildness inside her reared up at the thought of being caged in such a way.

Alone in the darkness, Cecilia promised herself she would never want less again.

“I could hurt the guardian.” “He’s pledged his life to the cause. He came here willing to die. Did you?” she asked.

“I see nothing wrong with being hopeful. The world is dark enough.”