Eleanor’s Reviews > The Tales of Arcana Fortune: Grim Edition > Status Update

"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.

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."