Ghost in Her Heart (21 page)

“No need. He’s been dead for weeks. It was
the medic Vana took such a dislike to. A former spy, too.” Dagon
stared at Nikon.

Who raised his hands. “I had no part of their
plot. I didn’t want the women harmed.”

“I know. That’s why you’ll live, along with
the women I promised you. You’ll leave tomorrow.”

Nikon took a deep breath and expelled it
slowly, shaken from his legendary control. “Thank you,” he said
gruffly.

Dagon inclined his head. That part of his
story had closed. Taking a deep breath of his own, he left to find
his wife.

Vana listened silently, then released a shaky
sigh. “So it’s over. She’s dead.”

“She’s dead,” he said gravely. A part of him
bled—he’d ordered his mother’s death that night. It had been a just
punishment, and his honor, his sense of justice, were firmly
satisfied. It would take time for the man inside to heal, though.
Perhaps it would never truly happen.

Vana took one look at his face and came to
him, laying her head on his chest, stroking him slowly with her
hands, soothing him even as she sought comfort. “It will be all
right,” she said softly. “It will be all right.”

Author’s Note

Vana’s prediction came true. In time she gave
birth to many daughters, sweet, beautiful girls who grew into
strong women. Though she never got to bear sons of her own, she
watched in satisfaction as first her adopted sons, then her blood
children, bred both granddaughters and grandsons of their own.
Though she never lifted a sword, both Vana and the women of her
generation managed to save an entire race from destruction.

As for their enemies, Nikon’s twisted nation,
they eventually grew old and died out, unable to produce issue.
Perhaps that was both justice, and mercy, enough.

The End

About the author:

I'm a stay at home mom with three kids, a dog
and an active imagination. I spent the first 34 years of my life in
Alaska, land of the midnight sun, but these days I'm located in
Washington, and am enjoying a much warmer sun :)

I'm married to my high school sweetheart,
John, who is known to bring me flowers "just because".

My leisure time is filled with gardening,
crochet, knitting, sewing, art and reading.

Connect with me online at:

www.autumndawnbooks.com

http://authorautumndawn.blogspot.com