Home > Author > Genevieve Gornichec
21 " You were a sacrifice, too. What did you learn while you were tied to your tree, Mother Witch? What did you bring back with you that you didn't have before? "
― Genevieve Gornichec , The Witch's Heart
22 " I can't,' Angrboda said softly. 'I'm sorry.' Skadi took her hands off the witch's shoulders and stepped back, wounded. She looked down at her boots. 'I've overstepped.''You haven't. You misunderstand me,' Angrboda said. 'It's not that I don't want to. It's just - I fear if I go with you to your hall, I won't leave again. "
23 " Guilt is a heavy thing, Mother Witch,' she said. 'It's best left behind if you want to move forward. "
24 " Thank you,' Angrboda said quietly, and turned to her.'Huh?' Skadi blinked at her, arching an eyebrow. 'For subjecting your former husband to bodily torture on your behalf without your approval?'Angrboda took Skadi's hands. 'For everything. For nearly shooting me with an arrow all those ages ago, and then sharing your dinner, and then making me furniture. You made me useful by trading my potions. I was desolate indeed when we first me, but you cared for me then.'Skadi's voice was very soft. 'I care for you still.''I know,' said Angrboda.'Do you?' Skadi asked, struggling to read the witch's expression. She must have seen something there that emboldened her, for she moved closer and said, 'Loki may have loved you, if he could, but all he ever brought you was pain. You know it. We both know it. I wished to be more for you, Angrboda. So much more. I loved you then. I love you now. I will love you until I die. And even after, whatever comes then, I will love you still, even though you're a fool and you've used me the same way that Loki has used you. But I suppose that makes me a fool as well. "
25 " I told him, 'This is for Angrboda, and for your children',' Skadi continued. 'Then he spoke, for the first time since he was caught. He whispered to me, so no one else could hear, that it can't be for you because you would never add to his suffering in this way. And I told him, 'That's why I must'. "
26 " We're both fools,' Angrboda's heart swelled in her chest. 'Things could have been so different..."'Things can still be different,' Skadi said fiercely, leaning in close, squeezing her hands. 'But the ending remains the same,' Angrboda whispered back.'The ending doesn't matter. What matters is how we get there. To face what's ahead with as much dignity as we can muster and make the most of the time we have left. "
27 " Grant a dead woman's last wish,' Skadi whispered when they finally pulled apart, placing a trembling hand on either side of the witch's face, 'and let me share your bed, truly share it, this night and every night until the end. "