SHIELD OF THE GODDESS

CHAPTER NINE

SHALA

SHALA HUGGED her father tightly, burying her face in his shoulder. Ereg returned her embrace and kissed her on the forehead. He was crying. She wiped his face with her hand.

“Forgive an old man’s tears. I have but one daughter to give to the world. This is not how I pictured the moment when you and I would be parted,” said Ereg.

“Nor I, Father. I will miss you. Thank you for everything you taught me. And most of all for loving me,” said Shala.

“I fell in love with you the moment I first held you in my arms as a newborn. I have never stopped.”