Chapter 90: Chapter 90: TOMORROW IS A NEW DAY

"I am not worthy of your forgiveness...or this unconditional acceptance of me back into the tribe, least of all your arms, after what I did."

Chief Long Knife wasn't great at speeches, preferring silence. In response to her honesty, he swept Dark Star and his sleeping son into his arms, pressing a tender kiss on her forehead before gently lowering them onto the furs.

Pulling a soft, thick gray fur over her shoulders, he slid under the fur beside her, pulling her impossibly close to him. His fingers stroked her long, silky hair, drawing her head against his broad chest.

"My heart will always beat for you," he whispered into the darkness.

The intensity of his words spoke the truth to Dark Star's heart. There was no way he could have known that no one had ever said those words to her - ever.

Great, salty tears trickled down her cheeks one after another in quick succession, spattering his bronze chest.