A nostalgic, helpless smile appeared on the Outlander's face:
"I thought of a story last time at Sister Devlin's place, and now I've thought of another one."
Another fairy tale?
She asked gently, and Shade nearly coughed.
"Don't say that. It isn't a fairy tale. If anyone showed it to children, they ought to be dragged out and shot. Five minutes of Love Lock? How interesting. The God of Love in this world is called the 'Red Heart Lock.' Love Lock, Love Lock... I wonder whether the followers of the God of Love also have such spells. There are many people who crave love, and many ways of craving it. Indeed."
His face was filled with boundless melancholy and reminiscence. "She" did not continue questioning him, merely allowing Shade to think.
He thought of many things: what Haila Osenfott had told him in death, about a cold heart and loving, being loved; Granny Miles's warm yet sorrowful little love story; then the stories from his hometown about using curses to bind love, only to lose control of one's desires, lack the ability to bear everything, and walk toward tragedy and destruction, personally pushing all that was beautiful into the abyss.
"They weren't brought to me through lies or curses."
He looked at his own hand.
Yes, you had indeed always given them your sincere heart.
"And I have the responsibility and resolve to bear their burdens and take care of this home. I understand what love is. Yes, I understand."
You had always understood. Otherwise, why would Desire challenge you?
"Her" smile grew even gentler, as though she were pleased that Shade had finally understood.
"Desire and love... Desire must have seen through my inner conflict long ago. She was deliberately reminding me, which was why she made me prove