A Reign of Rose (The Sacred Stones, #3)

by Kate Golden

“If I go to you…If I hold you…” His voice broke on the word and I began to cry in earnest. “Arwen…” His next words were said so low, his tormented expression was the only proof I’d not imagined them. “It will break me.”

“Come here,” I whispered, scooting to the side carefully. “And I will put you back together.”

“Your optimism knows no bounds.” I smiled against his sternum, and murmured, “Isn’t that why you keep me around?” “No,” he said, lightness finally returning to his voice as he tipped my head up and our wet eyes met. “I’m mostly in it for the banter.”

My mentor. My friend. The first person to show me how to truly be brave.

Come back to me, I begged. I’m nothing without you.

So this is the only advice I will share with you ahead of your wedding. Cherish one another. Appreciate the moments you are given, ephemeral as they may be. Do not dwell in the past or scurry toward the looming future. And be grateful, each day, for the love that you share. I am grateful to have witnessed it.

In this war, and in the days I hope will follow, I urge you to remember this: do not equate bravery with fearlessness. If someone like you has nothing left to fear, it will be your heart I worry for. Fear is human, and only grows as we come to care deeply for others. Stones know I’ve become more fearful in knowing you. That’s what love does to us. You are courageous, Arwen. And I’m very proud of you. Dagan