Picking Petals:

Chapter 30: There comes an end

Almost everyone came out tonight. Whether it was to grieve, celebrate life, or gawk at me and surround me with questions. After Rone had made a mandatory towns announcement this morning people have been taking the news rather well. I got strange looks, curious looks, parents shielding their kids from me. Most of this town knew me and now they acted as if I was a monster.

"You look beautiful tonight," Rone came up from behind me. His eyes reflected a simmering an intese deep shade of violet as the fire roared before us.

"I know we had to but I can't stop thinking about all those demons we killed... after I lift the curse what then? How do we heal our land when we are doing it with murder?" I asked.

Rone was quiet as I trained my eyes on the dancing fire, its flames reaching higher then me. The music tonight was different, more upbeat and welcoming, people were dancing all around us, people were crying, some were praying. "Building Valkri back together wont be easy, not for me, and most definitely not you.  People need to get to know you, trust you again before they can fall in line."

"James dying changes everything, how can I possibly ask Berella to kill Raven? She won't do it," I said. I knew Berella like the back of my hand.

"I dont think she ever would have, James dying or not," he said lightly as the bitter cold lashed out at my bare cheeks.

"Perhaps," I said.

"What about Gregory?" Rone asked, this made me look up at him shocked. "What?" he frowned.

"You'd be okay with that?"

"It's not my decision and besides who else could you trust ruling Valkri beside you? No matter what has happened, I think of Gregory. I do think he'll always take care of you and Valkri. He's a protector, so are you the two of you would make a good team."

"I dont know about that, we butt heads way too much," I sighed looking over at Gregory who was sipping on some whine with Orion. "Them two seem to be getting along."

"Everyone likes Gregory," he rolled his eyes as he watched Orion laugh, more like a howl as he nudged Gregory's arm friendly. "I dont even know what to say to him, or how to feel, it's still hard even knowing everything about us."

I let out a shaky breath, "I know, the best thing we can do is just forget about it I guess. This our life, we're different people and that's a good thing. All we can do is show Orion that." I wrapped my arms around Rones waist and he laid his chin on my head. I spread a surge of warmth from me to Rone, he squeezed me tightly in thanks. "Gregory, Orion and I are going to be visiting Josephine in a hour if you'd like to come. Orions going to teach me how to access her memories..." after a second I added, "It might kill her."

"I understand certain things need to be done but I dont think I could watch that," I could hear Rone gulp above me as he slid a cold finger under my tunic.

"I understand," I said listening to his rapid heartbeat. "Berella is staying with James family for the night, I'm sending Gregory with her so I'll be able to see you tonight."

"As in spend the night?" Rone asked stepping backwards to look at me mischievously.

I bit my lip nervously as Rones hand ventured higher underneath my tunic. Rone and I haven't really had a discussion on sex, which is ridiculous but the moments never happened. I wanted him forever and I was ready to give him every part of me. "Yes," I said licking my lips. "Can I tell you something?"

"Of course," Rone tucked a long strand of black hair behind my ear.

"I've never had sex before," I blurted. "I mean its not that I dont want to- you know have..." I paused lowering my voice to a whisper, "Sex. Trust me I really want to, I just thought you should know," why was I rambling?