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“And you refused.”

“I told her she could have my body, but never my obedience.”

A tear slips down Wren’s cheek.

I reach across the table and brush it away.

“Little flower…”

“Keep going.”

I take her hand.

“The temple fell behind us. I reached the village gates with the child in my arms. Her mother was waiting.”

My throat tightens unexpectedly.

“I placed the girl in her mother’s arms.”

“And then?”

“The curse finished its work.”

Wren covers her mouth.

“I became stone before the mother could thank me.”

For a long moment, she says nothing.

Then she stands, walks around the table, and climbs directly into my lap.

I catch her automatically.

“Wren?”

She wraps her arms around my neck.

“You ridiculous, stubborn, beautiful man.”

I blink.

“Have I offended you?”

“Yes.”

“How?”

“By making me fall in love with the most infuriatingly heroic man I’ve ever met.”

My heart stops.

Or perhaps it begins beating for the first time.

I stare at her.

She freezes.

“Oh.”