Twilight's Eternal Embrace by Karen Michelle Nutt Read Free Book Online Page A

survived the melee and so did Talia, but one of Talia ' s brothers fell along with Dougal and Rory, a father and son. Ione, Dougal ' s widow, had only her daughter now.
    If Bram and the other Oich e Sith hadn ' t arrived, there would have been more casualties. It was the Oiche Sith clan ' s duty to keep them safe, but Bram had chosen to fight near Coomkeen. Had he chosen the spot because of her? She wanted to believe he had.
    Adryanna touched the side of her neck and grimaced. The flesh was bruised but the wound was closed thanks to Bram. He healed her when he didn ' t have to. He probably shouldn ' t have. She ' d never heard of an Oiche Sith healing the wounded of her clan.
    As she strode toward the barn, she glanced at the sky wishing Twilight upon them. Bram may have fled after he kissed her, but she knew he was still near enough to hear her when she asked him to meet her at the cliffs. She hoped he would act upon the request and join her.
    Her lips curved. She had watched him fight, saw him take down a Draugr before he came to her. He was a wonder to watch. His movements were like a lethal dance as his muscles obeyed his command.
    " You smile , daughter . W here have your thoughts taken you so I may have a glimpse at happiness, too? " Her father stood at the door of the barn.
    " I smile because we live, Father. The Oiche Sith clan protected us. I did not die at the hands of a Draugr and I thought I would. "
    Edryd nodded. Her father ' s hair was light in color like hers, but gray had made the reddish strands appear faded. " We are blessed, but I worry about you, Adryanna. You cursed the Oiche Sith when you knew your sister was chosen for the blooding ritual. Now you give praises to the clan. What has changed? "
    She lifted her shoulders in a nonchalant shrug. " I have grown wiser and see the importance of such a clan. " She strode past him into the barn. " Do not get me wrong. I still miss Fianait, but I cannot change her fate. She went willingly , and I must accept it. "
    She could feel her father ' s concerned gaze, but she didn ' t turn around as she saddled one of the horses. She paused when her father ' s large hand touched her shoulder.
    " I know your moods , daughter. You are hiding something and I fear it is a dangerous secret. "
    She glanced at him with a smile. " I am not hiding anything. Truly Father, you let your imagination run away with you. "
    Edryd ' s gaze shifted to her neck and she pulled her shawl closer about her.
    " Your wound is nearly healed from last night. I have seen the damage the blood drinker ' s bite can do. The Draugr are not known to take time out to heal the wounds they inflict. Their bite is meant to kill. "
    " The Draugr who attacked me was young. Mayhap he forgot he was sent to ravish and not to take prisoners. " She turn ed away un able to meet her father ' s eyes with the lie. She pulled herself onto the back of the mount she had saddled, a brown palfrey with gentle eyes.
    " You have always been like one of the faerie folk with your fanciful dreams and free spirit. "
    Her gaze met her father ' s. He wasn ' t condemning her. His eyes were shadowed with worry for her safety. " I pray that whoever you fancy treats you with respect. "
    She wanted to tell him about Bram, confess her love for him , and share her joy, but the less her father knew about her Twilight trysts the better. She would not endanger her father. If Bram and she were caught , those who knew of their friendship would be punished. She couldn ' t reveal her involvement with Bram, but she could let her father know his worries were for naught. " I am happy, Father. "

Chapter Fourteen
    The Oiche Sith did not need much sleep. Only a few hours were needed to regain their full strength. Bram found sleep evaded him though. The sun shone bright this day and he could not venture outside. He counted the minutes until he could escape the confines of the castle and meet Adryanna.
    With the shores once again safe from the Draugr clan