All Chapters of The Mountain's Promise: Chapter 11 - Chapter 13

Arlo did not deny it.Maisie's expression darkened until it was almost unrecognizable. She had only agreed to get engaged to Arlo because he seemed gentler. Compared to me, always a little distant and timid, he had made her feel safer.In the end, she had been nothing more than a prize Arlo had won, as if she were a piece of property.For someone like that, she had thrown away the man who had truly loved her.Full of regret, Maisie turned to me. "Jude, I'm sorry. I was blind. I didn't see him for who he really was. Come home with me, and we can start over. I swear I'll treat you right this time. I'll never let you get hurt again—""Enough."I said it quietly, cutting her off. My voice was not loud, yet the noise at the shrine's entrance died down at once.I looked at the people in front of me. Mom sat on the ground sobbing, and Dad stood there in a daze. Lorna was full of guilt, and Maisie's eyes were full of regret.They were all sorry. They were all apologizing.Yet as I loo

Morwen paused, and then she smiled. It was the first time I had ever seen her smile. It was like snow melting and spring flowers blooming, and the whole palace seemed a little brighter."By human reckoning, I'm a little over 3,000 years old."My jaw dropped. "Over 3,000? So you've watched empires rise and fall?""I have."I suddenly felt nervous. "Have you ever had another husband?"She looked at me, her eyes warm with amusement. "No. You're the first, and you'll be the only one.""Really?"She reached out and wiped the tear tracks from my face. "Really. I waited 3,000 years before someone finally gave me a little wooden bird."My face went hot."So does that mean we're married now?" I asked quietly.She shook her head. "Not yet. When a mountain spirit marries, there are rites. We have to honor the mountain, make our vows before the heavens, and seal our bond. Are you willing?"I looked into her eyes and nodded solemnly. "I am."She smiled and pulled me into her arms.Ou