Page 10 of Raven

“Dead?”

She nodded and let him lift her from the floor, trembling all over.

“I died in my dreams last night,” he said somberly. “And I do not deserve to awaken to a new day, for I have given up on life these past five years, on you and our brother especially.”

“Oh, James.” She threw her arms around him.

“Tell me, Valerie. What words did you speak to awaken me from my deep sleep?” He set her away from him and stared deeply into her eyes.

“Lady Raven.”

He nodded, a look of sorrow on his face. “She is lost to me forever. I must let her go.”

“N-no, James. She has returned.”

“What?” He gave her a shake. “Do not toy with me, Valerie.”

“Never,” she said. “Only moments ago, she rapped upon the front door and begged me to get you. That is why…”

“By everything holy!” He kissed her forehead and cheeks. “I love you, Val, with all my heart, as broken as it is.”

And then, as spirited as a lad, he ran from the room, down the stairs, and called to his lady love. Still in tears, Valerie followed him to the drawing room. And there, standing in the doorway, she found them both breathless and weeping with joy, locked in an eternal embrace of love and forgiveness—the sorrow that had long plagued their home, nevermore.