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Where’s my happily ever after? Viola sed a sob She missed her baby so much Sadness had become an ache in her bones The perfect complement to the thorn of concern in her brain

Why hadn’t Fluffy flashed to her? The agony of waiting and not knowing The helplessness of entertaining countless questions without answers The toll exacted by every rise and crash of emotion

Her tears spilled down her cheek She sniffled Did Brochan feel this way all the tiht sink its claws into his brother Flayed rahat could have—should have—been

Sniffling, she swiped at her damp eyes with a shaky hand Fact: Brochan treasured his brother Fact: The beast saw Viola as the cherished

How could she bla her poorly? She’d dished ed her Except, she did blame him She’d done the beast a favor McCadden had been headed to the front line, where he would have died, losing his immortality without Viola’s interference And his life Her actions had granted him extra time As a mortal, yes, but extra was extra He’d never set foot on the battlefield, so he’d avoided a destined death She should be rewarded for her herois she’d explained to McCadden Not that he’d believed her His ly delicious older brother would be no different

If her baby suffered…

“Fluffy,” she called, her throat wobbly “Come to Momma” She prayed her words carried to other realh to reach her I’ll hold hiht

She turned a corner, entering another hallway Sunlight streaotten side tables and a vase filled with dried, drooping flowers More portraits covered with dusty cloths hung on the walls With the change of direction, her thoughts shifted too, sliding froain

To offer Brochan the use of her beloved body…to enjoy herself with a male who didn’t like or respect her, a jailer who intended to steal fro for her future self?

A oddess of the Afterlife did not succumb to desire for others—others succumbed to their desires for her!

Okay, she was back to hating hi with hih Brochan blaht her a new basket of goodies eachFresh breads and cheeses Jams and honey Wine Feasts fit for a queen Which she didn’t understand Why did he offer gifts at the saonized her?

Is he as torn as I am?

No, he couldn’t be The rogue had also delivered cleaning supplies and clothing: T-shirts and sweatpants she’d rather die than wear, as well as a French maid costume The cruel beast obviously taunted her

She was right the first time Definitely hate him

When next she caught sight of hi every delivery, he had somehow remained hidden, as if he’d knohen she sluh she didn’t have a set schedule or knohen she would succumb to the need for rest Did he ever ponder their kiss? Or crave more of her?