I love you, Kieran.
Her words, spoken in a whisper, played in a clear and endless loop in my mind.
I love you.
Closing my eyes, I could still feel her presence. Her scent was still on me, around me. Enveloping me.
Giving me strength.
I love you.
I'd meant every word I said to her. Just as I knew, without reading her thoughts (or needing to), that she'd meant every word she'd said to me.
In ten centuries, I'd never met anyone like her. I'd never even sought out a partner, much less a mate. I'd always considered it my
(punishment)
penance. For all the things I had done, from my years in Laignech's service...and from the years I'd spent hunting him since.
She's the last. Kill her now, before it's too late.
Rowan's words, as he had lain on the ground before me, the knife I'd hurl
