The Contract Bride

Nik Adersol harbors a dark belief after the death of his first wife, Lira. Having loved him from afar for years, Sirene Dulantz is thrilled when contracted to become his new bride.

But Nik's not at all pleased to be presented with her, and Sirene wonders if she's up to the task of healing the wounds Lira left behind.

Short story, word count 7,566.