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“Raine wins again!” Linc declared.

Discordant claps and murmurs broke out around the crowd.

“Later, Ginny!”

“See you tomorrow!”

I waved as I departed, forcing my eyes to face forward as I hurried home.

Three daisies rested on my front porch.

Three white daisies, fresh and bright as though they’d been in the ground only seconds before. I whipped my head side to side.

It was still the freeze season in Moonvale—wildflowers weren’t blooming yet.

Maybe it came from Lunette? The druid woman did have a knack for keeping plants alive. I whirled around, trying to catch a glimpse of her signature orange hair, but she was nowhere to be seen.

I hastily scooped the flowers up, stepped inside, and slammed the door shut behind me.

CHAPTER 10

Shade

My third courting gift had been accepted.

Why I felt the need to present her with the courting gifts, I wasn’t quite sure, but I couldn’t ignore the instinct. The compulsion.

If presenting the gifts would secure her as my wife, I would do so gladly.

Perhaps it stemmed from a long-buried memory that I couldn't quite reach.

I wasn’t sure if the other folk did the same. I didn’t pay attention to them. I didn’t care.

I only cared about my goddess.

She was beginning to take over my entire being.

My entire soul.

A part of me didn’t even care about my lost memories anymore.

I didn’t care about the past. I didn’t care who I was.

Desperation was beginning to descend upon me.

The folk of this town were beginning to notice me.Glances flicked in my direction; mistrustful glares followed in my wake.

But the tension was worth it.

I was invading every aspect of her life.

CHAPTER 11

Ginger

On the first morning of the Miss and Mister Moonvale ball, I woke up to a steaming cinnamon bun sitting on my nightside table, resting beside my favorite mug.

It was full of hot tea. Freshly brewed, my favorite flavor.