Epilogue
We emerge from the water at nightfall. Hand in hand, we pass the wooden structures and stone buildings silently. Heiner’s general store. Reagan’s workshop. The rusting mailbox waiting for letters we will never write.
Everything seems different, but also the same. Inhaling, we detect scent and movement inside the inn. Vince Pruitt is making himself comfortable inside one of the double bedrooms.
“I invited Vince to spend winter at the chalet inn. We must learn to integrate more if we are to avoid detection in this modern age.”
Flexing my fingers, I count the reasons why. It helps me remember all those rapid, clumsy decisions I made before.
“They are not living here to make money or collect wealth to pass on to their kids, Shadow. All they want is good health and freedom. And we must give that to them. Compensation for all deaths. Guarantees that no more women will fall ill. Offer special tourist discounts for mature women who want to visit the island.”
“Guarantees?” He flashes me a wolvish grin. “We can’t do that with no fluids.” Moving close, he growls in my ear. “I can feel your blood pumping inside me, Luna. You are delicious.”
That makes me want to kiss him. His touch, the sound of his voice—these things are magical to me.
“Likewise. But fluids first.” My focus no longer waivers.
I enter the brewery. I know what to do now. This is what we should have done long ago, back when it was Tempest, not me. It’s always easy to see things from another point of view, but I guess Tempest never did.
Holding the knife made from meteor metal in my right hand, I slice my left wrist open. It hurts, but not in a painful way. It feels as if my body is crying because it wants to hold onto every last drop of blood inside me.
Immediately, the cut begins to mend slowly. We watch as, drop by drop, my fluids fall into the vat of brew.
“Give it three days.” It surprises me when I hear the dispassionate way I deliver the order. “The brew will be ready to drink then.”
Shadow kisses me. “I think you must have been a witch once.”
“Yes. I can feel the memories of the Red Queen flowing inside me, Shadow. I think I can see memories of Heikkinen and the rest of the tribe, too—from the blood.”
“Tell me what you see.” Pulling my naked body close to him, Shadow presses his mouth over mine. “Share all your secrets with me, Luna.”
Returning his kiss, a powerful surge of love warms the blood inside me. And, taking his hand, I lead him outside.
“Some other time, lover. First, we have to go home to feed Muohta.”
Continue the series with BOOK 2 - Moonlit Hunger and meet Aila & "Hunter" Rabane.