The rain poured down while she laughed. He loved her. His eyes burned with unspoken feeling.

When did it happen?

After years spent searching, Mela would be free of her curse. Fate had brought them together. She leaned against an old elm tree. He had only to declare his love and give her a single kiss. This cruel disease that devoured her would be banished.

Life would be worth living again.

She almost wept for joy as the lightning arced high above. Mort enfolded her in his arms and spoke the words.

Thunder crashed.

A piercing crack rumbled up from the tree at her back. She raised her eyes in time to see the splintered branches speeding toward her.