Read Online Alpha Moon by Rebecca A. Rogers - Free Book Online Page B

on with their daily activities.
    Lavenia did not struggle, nor did she scream. They bound her wrists and walked her back toward town. Alaric watched as her figure disappeared on the horizon, shrinking considerably in size. The Captain sidled up next to him. Neither man said a word until Lavenia was out of sight.
    “I know ye were close at one time,” said the Captain.
    Alaric inhaled deeply. “No matter,” he said, exhaling. “The past is the past.”
    “Then I am sure ye will be happy to know we shall set up her execution tomorrow, around noonday.” With those last words, the Captain gathered his men, explained he would be back to visit the apprentices at a later time, and then departed to the heart of town, where Lavenia would be held in a chamber until her punishment.
    Alaric questioned whether he made the correct decision, bringing the Captain of the Watch and his men here to search for items related to witchcraft. His ears had heard the rumors of her performing black magic, yet he never believed the hearsay until early that morning. He merely thought to teach her a lesson, to scare her. He did not bargain on the Captain’s men locating a book of spells, let alone the fact that Lavenia would be dead by tomorrow evening.
    Since there was no way to stop her death, Alaric cursed himself.
    “Excuse me, sir,” said one of the apprentices. She was a petite, fair-haired girl, who had light-brown freckles scattered over the bridge of her nose and upper cheeks. “We would like to show ye something.”
    Alaric waved her off. “I do not have time—”
    “Ye need to see this,” she pressed on, glancing between Alaric and the other apprentice, who had opposite features from the blonde—dark skin, black hair, a fierce look in her eye.
    “I shall proceed with my life as if this day never happened, and I suggest ye both do the same,” Alaric responded. “Good day.” He offered a slight bow to the two young women and went on his way. Honestly, he did not have time to coerce with two females who had inadvertently ruined their lives by associating with Lavenia.
    The blonde girl yelled behind him, “I will find ye! I will find ye and tell ye!”
    Alaric was not in the mood to argue. After all, he had just lost one of his ex-lovers. Once she reached her demise the following day, she would be gone forever, and there was naught he could do to change the situation. ’Twas too late to intervene on her behalf.
    As if he could actually speak up and prevent it from happening . . .
    Fate was cruel in allowing him to consider saving her. He brought her downfall, so he would take responsibility for his actions. Tomorrow, he would watch Lavenia burn.

Chapter Twelve
     
     
    T he following morning began like any other day in wintertime—bitter and frosty, with a light wind that froze one’s bones. Alaric had not slept the prior night, and he unquestionably was not jubilant at the thought of observing Lavenia’s execution, though he assumed every individual from town was. Many had congregated at the location, including women and children. This was not an exhibition Colchester witnessed often.
    Ulric and Daciana stood halfway through the crowd gathered around the palisade. Alaric did not feel like joining them, nor did he feel like asking questions regarding their curse. Once this matter was behind them, he would inquire as to the nature of their conversation with Lavenia the night of the attack: what she told them, how they responded, what their future held. Regrettably, now was not the appropriate time.
    The ceremonial death procession had begun. Lavenia’s hands were bound, and a rope was tied around her neck in case she decided to flee. As with all criminals, she was taken to the steps of the church, where she would confess her sins and ask forgiveness. Yet, when forced to beg for mercy from God, she refused to open her mouth. Instead, she spat. A collective gasp was heard from the audience, and many townsfolk began praying.