Free Dragonfae & The Soul Catcher by H. C. Brown

I’ve not been honest with you. I know Brew told you about Erik and the others, but the cat doesn’t know the truth of my story.” Thalia wrung her hands. “Before we continue, I must tell you the facts of what happened. You should be aware of my true character before we begin our journey together.” She sat down in a chair opposite Lumos. She could not meet his eyes and hung her head in shame.
    With halting words, Thalia recounted the bargain with Erik. She told Lumos every detail of her days of terror. “They would come at night or stop during the day… They were so strong, Lumos. If I screamed, they hit me. If I begged, they laughed.” She lifted her head slowly, afraid to see the expression on his face. The man had masked his emotions. She shuddered. I have lost your friendship, and I don’t blame you.
    “I’m not worth your pity, your revenge or your friendship. I am… I am…” She buried her face in her hands. “I am a whore.”
     
    Let it all out, sweet butterfly. Placing his plate on the floor, Lumos knelt in front of Thalia. He drew a deep breath, fighting the grief threatening to explode his heart. He drew her against him, resting his chin on her head.
    “You offered your greatest gift and Erik abused the trust you put in him. He could have taken you gently as a lover.” He rubbed Thalia’s back—her sobs radiated through him like daggers. “Only an evil man would abuse such an innocent.” He fought the rage welling inside him. “Be still, dragon, your anger will frighten Thalia.” In time, the Nightdragon would rise up and seek vengeance for his sweet butterfly but not now. Thalia needed his strength, his love. If only she would take what he offered, his love would heal her. “The blame is not yours, Thalia. The gods tell us life is precious and you made a sacrifice to protect your life. I see your goodness, little one. You are still so innocent. What happened to you can never be disregarded but, if you will allow me, I’ll show you that true love is beautiful, my sweet Thalia.” Tears burned the backs of his eyes. “I beg you not to allow these memories to destroy you. Trust in me, I’ll guide you out of the darkness.”
    Lumos held Thalia close. He could do nothing else to comfort her. How he wished he had his glamour to help her through this time of adjustment, but he had nothing other than his love to give. Thalia buried her tear-stained face into his neck. Thrilled the girl had allowed him to hold her, he hummed to her as if she were an injured animal. Gods, he desired so much to caress her and show her the gentle, glorious side of love. The witch’s body racked with sobs. Her pain radiated through him, tearing at his heart. He must be patient and earn her trust. One day, she would turn to him with love in her eyes. He could wait. After all, he had forever.
     
    * * * *
     
    The early morning mist still swirled across the rutted track as the wagon left the perimeter of the Singing Forest. They bumped along the narrow road, heading north. A signpost gave the next village as Knowing Way. Thalia glanced furtively at Lumos. The memory of his warm body and gentle words filled her with hope. She wrapped her cloak around her against the cold wind. Dark clouds overhead heralded rain. They moved along a tree-lined road. Albert gave a snort as a red fox scurried across the path, stopped, and wrinkled its nose before disappearing into the undergrowth. Beside her, Brew growled a warning. Thalia moved closer to Lumos, the heat from his body flowing over her. The Fae glanced down at her and smiled warmly before turning his attention back to the road. That small gesture filled Thalia with confidence and blew away the doubts she had for leaving the safety of the Singing Forest. They travelled for an hour before Lumos, muscles bulging, drew the wagon to a halt beside a babbling brook.
    “This is a shrine.” Lumos grinned at Thalia and jumped from the seat. “See, farther down, the water deepens