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Chapters (59)
  1. THE WOMAN FROM THE WAVES
  2. Copyright
  3. CONTENTS
  4. Dedication
  5. PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
  6. GLOSSARY
  7. PROLOGUE
  8. THE SURFACE
  9. CHAPTER ONE
  10. CHAPTER TWO
  11. CHAPTER THREE
  12. CHAPTER FOUR
  13. CHAPTER FIVE
  14. CHAPTER SIX
  15. CHAPTER SEVEN
  16. CHAPTER EIGHT
  17. THE SHORE
  18. CHAPTER NINE
  19. CHAPTER TEN
  20. CHAPTER ELEVEN
  21. CHAPTER TWELVE
  22. CHAPTER THIRTEEN
  23. CHAPTER FOURTEEN
  24. CHAPTER FIFTEEN
  25. CHAPTER SIXTEEN
  26. CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
  27. CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
  28. CHAPTER NINETEEN
  29. CHAPTER TWENTY
  30. CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
  31. CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
  32. CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
  33. CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
  34. CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
  35. CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
  36. CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
  37. THE STORM
  38. CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
  39. CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
  40. CHAPTER THIRTY
  41. CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
  42. CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
  43. CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
  44. CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
  45. CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
  46. CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
  47. CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
  48. CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
  49. CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
  50. CHAPTER FORTY
  51. CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
  52. CHAPTER FORTY-TWO
  53. CHAPTER FORTY-THREE
  54. CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR
  55. CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE
  56. EPILOGUE
  57. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
  58. ALSO BY ROSLYN SINCLAIR
  59. ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hæra’s hand was already rising into the air. This wasn’t the first time her human body had acted without her permission concerning Sister Madeleine, but it had been so long. She realized, with a jolt, that she was about to reach out and cup Sister Madeleine’s face, touch that soft, blushing skin. Slide her fingers back into the dark hair. And then press her lips to the scar, tasting the memory of blood.

Hæra’s hand froze in midair. Luckily, that was the perfect position for Sister Madeleine to reach out so she could shake it in greeting.

For the first time in six years, Hæra’s bare skin touched Sister Madeleine’s. Time stood as still as if the moon had stopped in its course, holding the tides captive.

It was just like last time. Sister Madeleine’s flesh was cool from the elements—the ocean then, the brisk air now. It still didn’t banish the heat that flared inside Hæra immediately. Maybe because, this time, Sister Madeleine was the one who’d reached out. The one who had sought the touch of Hæra’s human hand. And their hands fit together perfectly now, two currents curling together to form a whirlpool.

Unbidden, Hæra thought of the whirlpool witch. Bring me your despair, the witch had told her. She’d be waiting a long time. This was the most triumphant moment of Hæra’s life.

Then Sister Madeleine brought it all crashing down around her ears. “Actually,” she said, “I’m not Sister Madeleine anymore.”

Hæra stared at her, certain she had misheard, waiting for a correction that didn’t come.

“What?” she said.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

As promised, dinner was shepherd’s pie, roast vegetables, and strong black tea. Madeleine hadn’t realized how hungry she was until she began to eat. Apparently rumors of the quality of Jonathan’s flock hadn’t been exaggerated. The lamb was savory and delicious, and he’d perfectly crisped the potato topping. He was an engaging host, encouraging Madeleine to talk about her journey over.

That was more than Madeleine could say for his daughter. Harry Duggan had said she was “a bit off,” but he’d understated it.

Ever since their introduction, Hæra had been withdrawn, as if she’d been floored to learn what Madeleine wasn’t instead of who she was. She’d all but clammed up completely. Now she was picking at her food, ignoring her tea, and staring moodily at the saltshaker.

It didn’t help that every once in a while, Madeleine glanced her way to see Hæra staring silently back at her. The heat had fled those amber eyes, and now ice had taken its place. But why? How could Madeleine have offended her?