Rebel Witch (The Crimson Moth, #2)

by Kristen Ciccarelli

I am the Crimson Moth. It was the answer to her oldest question. You are the kindest, cleverest, bravest girl I’ve ever met. This was Rune Winters. This girl. In this moment.

Rune was running from herself. From what she wanted most deeply, and feared she couldn’t have.

Rune gazed at this mountain of a boy. The one who’d risked his life alongside her. A boy who’d proven, again and again, they were better together than apart. Why in the world had she left him? Because I’m afraid of losing him.

“You asked me once if I wanted children,” she said. He tilted his head, as if this was the last thing he’d expected her to say. “I want three.”

But in order to have them, she had to stay.

“Rune. Being married to you would be the honor of my life. You’re saying you’ll stay and fight, if I marry you?”

“I’ll happily be extorted by you.”

Kissing Gideon was like coming home. A steadying force, reminding her of who she was, and where she belonged.

As if Rune was a locked door and he had the only key to open her.

I can’t change the past, he thought as they walked, taking in the damage. But together, maybe we can change the future.

Rune thought of Gideon’s belief in a better world, and his willingness to die for it. She thought of their future children running through a field, full of laughter and joy.

“I realized he’s right,” she said. “You get the world you’re willing to fight for.”

It was a world where enemies could be not just allies, but lovers and friends, and most of all, equals. It was a world where no one needed to hide who they really were.

Because for the first time in her life, she was completely herself. And that was worth everything.

“But if love is the highest power, our paths will converge again—if not in this world, then the next.”

The words felt like a premonition, making her shiver. “You believe that?” she asked. “That love is the highest power?” He glanced at her like she’d asked him if water was wet. “Don’t you?”

“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.”

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.”

He remembered the enchantment Rune had once cast on his jacket. It’s for repelling harm, she’d told him. Like armor, the spellmarks will deflect a knife aimed at your chest, or make bullets bounce off you.

Gideon thought of his Crimson Moth and smiled through his sorrow. Even in death, my love, you are a wonder.

And then: Cressida fell still. The tension lifted. Rune inhaled a sharp breath.

what a precious gift it was, this breath, flowing in and out, over and over, every day?

Rune paused for a second to close her eyes and breathe it in, remembering how lucky she was. How never again would she take anything for granted. Not the breeze on her face. Not the moon or the sky.

“What if they don’t like the real Rune Winters?” He laughed. “Beloved.” He took her chin between his fingers, trying to drag her gaze up to him. “That’s not possible.”

“It’s time to make a new world, Rune. Are you ready?”