Status Updates From The Tales of Arcana Fortune...

"I told you, did I not?" he murmured, "If I had a hundred lives, I'd find you in each one, just to dedicate it to you. I love you now, I have loved you before, and I will love you every day after. I loved you without knowing your name, or hearing a single word cross your lips. I loved you just because you're you, Serena Rose. I am sorry I did not say the words sooner."

"Selene!" came a hoarse cry, "Selene come back, please."
He was here, oh stars, he had followed her and he was here.

"I've only just met you," he continued, "but it feels like I've known you much longer."
Because you do, she wanted to cry out. You know me better than anyone has ever known me before.

“I am here because if you are not here, I have no reason to draw breath anymore. I am trying to keep you alive, because it is the only way I can keep myself alive.”

His lips traveled to her neck, and he whispered in her ear, "Would you like me to show you just how beautiful I find you?"
"Yes."
And then he did.

She grabbed onto his sleeve. "You're leaving?" she asked beseechingly.
A smile crossed his face. "I was just going to close the door."
Heat bloomed across her cheeks. "Oh... I see."
He closed the door with a snick. "Come on, Princess, scoot over."

Serena's eyes flew open, and she gasped for air, her hands clutching at his shirt. Immense relief overcame him, and he crushed her to his chest, his hands in her hair, and then her shoulders, her waist, feeling every bit of her.
"Knew you would save me," she croaked.
"You absolute idiot." He choked out, and then they were kissing, their hands and lips a wild tangle.

"You are a monster," she whispered, staring at him, her previously fat green irises now slightly tinged with fear.

"Perhaps," he said, baring his teeth slightly, "but I am her monster."

Grim took in her appearance, and his eyes darkened.
He slid his strong arms around her waist and drew her closer, leaning down. Her cheeks were flushed as she looked at the naked longing in his
eyes.
"I know this isn't the time," he murmured, as one of his hands stroked her back, chills following in its wake, "but you should know, you look exceptionally ravishing right now."

He took her hand then and placed it on his chest. "From today on Serena Rose. My life is yours. If I lived a hundred lives, I would find you in each one, just so I could dedicate it to you. From now until I am but a note upon the wind, I am yours."

“And I, yours." she whispered.

The door appeared then, right on schedule.
Grim looked at Serena with a fierce tenderness. "You did it, then. You broke my curse. The tale has ended."
Now that he was back to normal, Serena felt almost shy at his intense gaze on her.
He took her hand then and led her to the door. "Let's go home, then."

"I didn't want you to think I'm a monster," he whispered.
"I would never think that," she replied, tears streaming down her cheeks, mingling with raindrops.
He turned and hugged her then, tightly, his fingers grasping her hair and pulling her close by the waist. His face dug into her shoulders, and he broke out into heaving sobs, as she pulled him even closer.

A shadow snaked toward her, coiling its clammy grip on her wrist.
In a flash, Grim's sword was unsheathed, cutting through the shadow, which disappeared with a tinny shriek.
"Don't fucking touch her," growled Grim.
The amusement fled from Lore's expression then.

She looked at him, her eyes shining, and was about to exchim abour the fire spirit, but the look in his eyes made her words dry up in her throat.

Grim was looking at her with something akin to wonder and a gentleness that made her breath hitch.

The walk to Primrose Cottage was silent for the most part, and once they reached home, Grim led her to the living room and sat her down.
"I'm all right!" she protested. "You needn't treat me like an invalid."
"Serena," he replied gently, "you're shivering."

Grim turned to her, concern and rage warring over his features.
"Are you okay," he said in a low, intense voice. "Did he hurt you?" She shook her head, absently rubbing her aching wrist. His eyes fell to her abused appendage, and tightened.

“A witch who consorted with demons, and a whore who would spread her legs for any—"
Her hand rose up before she knew it, but he intercepted it in a bruising, punishing grip, making her wince in pain. The crowd was shifting uncomfortably now, and a couple of people moved forward as if to intercede.
However they were beaten to it.
"Get your fucking hands off her," came a furious growl.
Grim.