Excerpt of Druid Warrior's Heart by Juli D. Revezzo

“My brother came home with such fascinating stories when he studied with Father Ciaran.” She smoothed her skirt and stared into the distance. “I suppose they lodged in my imagination along with Mother’s tales.”

Isaac snorted. “Where they are more romantic than real life. Take my word on that.”

“How many have you fought in?”

He studied his nails but she had most of his attention. He willed her to come closer, and scolded himself for it. You can’t ravish her yet. “This will be my twentieth.”

Her breath caught in her throat. She knew he didn’t speak of border wars, religious wars, or clan skirmishes. “It need not happen,” she said.

“Is that so? How can you tell?”

“I won’t let it.” She touched the knife at her belt. “My father’s blood has been shed. It’s enough to strike a balance.”

He gazed up at her through the dark night. Did she prophesy? Or was this a mere hope? Damn Cyreth for being inside when he needed a clear reading on the situation!

Maybe she would speak more. He took a chance and asked, “What balance would that be? What do you see?”

She took a breath and let it out, waving her hand through the air. “I see little. A battle.” After a moment’s silence, she shook herself. “But it’s no more than Mother tells. Whether or not it comes, who knows?”

“What if it did?” he asked.

“If it does,” she said, angling her chin, “what does it matter? I can’t stop it.”

The moonlight glinting off her eyes accentuated her innocence. He rose to see them better, but still maintained his distance. “No. But you can minimize the damage.”

“As if that’s as easy as kissing you.”

Isaac blinked and did as she asked.