Claiming the Spare Twin novel · Chapter 22 of 24

Chapter 22: Her Answer

Tilda's POV

Both packs filled the Moot Hall at moonrise, and every candle in the place was lit.

Hester sat at the long table with her cane across her lap, and the gray-haired elder sat beside her.

Dorran stood alone at the head of the aisle, in the same grey suit he had worn a year ago.

I came in through the front doors in a plain green dress, with my mother's blue letter in my pocket.

Every head in the hall turned.

I walked down the aisle on my own feet, and my knees did not shake.

Dorran watched me every step.

When I stopped in front of him, the moon cleared the window.

A pale square of light fell across the stone floor between us.

The mark on my shoulder went cold.

It was quick, and it did not hurt.

I touched it through the cloth.

Under my fingers the crescent had gone smooth and white.

"It's done," Hester said, rapping her cane once. "The claim is ended by the law. The bride is free."

"Tilda Marrow," Dorran said. His voice carried to the walls. "You came to me with a stolen veil and a stranger's name on your back. You said the vow yourself when I didn't deserve it. I'm asking you, here, in front of everyone, to choose."

He did not kneel.

He stood straight with his hands open, and I saw them tremble.

"Choose me," he said, "or choose the road. I'll say the same thing either way."

The hall waited.

"What would you say?" I asked.

"Thank you."

My throat tightened.

I looked at the room.

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