Chapter 38: Chapter 38: Weakness

No time, none at all, to mourn her sister as she should have been mourned. Ethpeal was well past twenty-one, and had to wed immediately. I knew it sat in her mind as she ordered Belvah's pyre built even as Ivan and a handful of Enforcers appeared, all concerned for her.

"We felt your power leave," he said, taking her shoulders in his hands. "Now I know why."

Ethpeal nodded. "Belvah is dead," she said, without emotion, "and I had no choice."

"I know," he said. "Poor Ethie, when did you ever?"

She drew a breath, paused. "Never," she said. "But you do."

His frown of concern faded, one eyebrow shooting up. "I do?"

"Will you marry me, Ivan Dumont?" I wanted to go to her and hug her, offer my love and support, but she was doing her duty, showing her coven, now gathered to witness in the front yard, filling the space with their anticipation and worry as they waited for his answer.