Chapter 584

• Tears fell down her face, mirroring the tears that slipped down Gard's cheeks. "You had a right to your anger, Gard. I caused you untold pain and grief as you walked this world for so long alone, hidden in the shadows as you waited for us to return. You weren't even aware of that because of the spells I placed on you. Until Caleb sought you out in Europe, you had no idea what you were waiting for, all those lonely years. I have wronged you, brother, and for that I ask your forgiveness."
• "Don't you ever ask that of me, Ana, not now and not ever again," he rumbled, his eyes blazing with a fierce light as he stroked her tumbled curls with the gentlest of hands. "It is I who should ask for your forgiveness for ever doubting you."
• For a moment he couldn't speak, his emotions too chaotic, and then he found the strength. "You died for me," he whispered, his voice tortured. "Your own people ripped you to pieces even as you fought to save them from the fallacy of their actions. You gave me my Rayne. You are the reason my heart beats in tandem with my mate, and the reason I am blessed with my son. You did what was right for all concerned, as you always have. For all of those reasons you need never ask for my forgiveness, my Queen." He gathered her into his arms, holding her in a crushing embrace as they both wept silent tears.