CHAPTER EIGHTEEN – LEDA

“The library is far more impressive.”

Rasmus’ voice cracked through the heavy silence. I couldn’t help it – the sob ripped from my throat; Lars opened his arms and I flung myself into them.

There was a pregnant pause, then, a perplexed Rasmus spoke once more “I’ll...give you two a moment.”

My face was buried in Lars’ barrel chest; his beard tickling my face, but I didn’t care. I’d immediately felt at ease in his presence. Now that made sense.

I couldn’t see Rasmus; he’d sounded confused, but still, no footsteps indicated that he had left.

“She is... Leda is... my niece” Lars managed to choke out as he stroked my hair with his spade-like hands.

There was a sharp intake of breath. Then, silence.

After a few minutes, I managed to retrieve my face from its hirsute harbour. Pulling myself away, I gave Lars a watery smile. He wiped the tears from my cheeks.

“Neither of us are alone.” he whispered, poking my cheek gently upwards in an attempt to make me smile.

I glanced ove