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SHE TOOK HER SISTER’S PLACE AT THE ALTAR—BUT THE MONSTER ALREADY KNEW HER NAME / Chapter 10 / 10

Chapter 10 - THE MISTRESS OF HOLLOWSPIRE

One year later.

The dark, dead forest surrounding Hollowspire Mountain was no longer dead.

Under Evelyn’s magic, ancient white mountain roses bloomed along the path leading up to the grand castle gates.

The hundreds of stone statues that once lined the courtyard were gone. With the Warden forever sealed and the dark contract rewritten, the ancient curse had broken. The trapped souls of the guardian women had finally been released, returning to the earth in peace.

Inside the castle chapel, sunlight poured through newly restored stained-glass windows, illuminating the black obsidian walls with brilliant shades of ruby, sapphire, and gold.

Alaric stood by the window, adjusting the cuffs of his dark velvet coat.

Evelyn walked up behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist and leaning her head against his back.

Alaric turned around, a soft, rare smile lighting up his handsome face. He reached up, gently tracing the copper moon pendant that still rested against her collarbone.

"You know," Alaric murmured, pulling her close against his chest, "the village elders still talk about the night the monster took a bride."

Evelyn laughed, a bright, beautiful sound that filled the grand hall. "Let them talk. They don't know the truth."

"And what is the truth, my lady?" Alaric asked, his grey eyes shining with warmth as he leaned down, pressing his forehead against hers.

Evelyn looked up into his eyes, her heart full and complete.

"The truth is," Evelyn whispered, "the monster didn't take me. I chose him."

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THE END

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