Rebel Witch (The Crimson Moth, #2)

by Kristen Ciccarelli

“Because I was stupid enough to fall in love with a witch hunter. Stupid enough to hope he might love me back.

“I want to be your wife, Gideon.” The pulse in his throat kicked. “And these children you also want … they’re our children?” “I’m pretty sure that’s how it works, yes.” More quietly, she said: “Is that all right?” Gideon plunged his fingers into her hair. “All right?” He pressed his forehead to hers. “Rune. Being married to you would be the honor of my life. You’re saying you’ll stay and fight, if I marry you?” “More or less.” She ran a hand up his chest to rest against his heart. “Is that extortion?”

Tearing his eyes from Cressida, Gideon fixed them on Rune. Placing her hand over his heart, she said, “I want you to know I am so grateful, so lucky, to have loved you.” Her voice wobbled. “Even if it was only for a little while.”

“I love you,” he whispered into her hair. “I should have told you so much sooner. I love you, Rune Winters.” Death was pressing in. As its shadow slid over Rune, Antonio’s words echoed inside her: Sometimes our paths must diverge from those we love. But if love is the highest power, our paths will converge again—if not in this world, then the next. Pressing her hand to Gideon’s heart, Rune whispered: “Come find me in the next world.” And then Death found her.