Until Death Do Us Part

By Susan Harris

Even defying death and the stars—no one can escape their destiny!

Defying death takes a toll. Rowan and Julian never expected to survive, but now they are back from their ordeal changed in ways nobody could have imagined and reluctant to share their struggles—even with each other. Not that it matters anyway—personal trials have to take a backseat to duty. As they try to become the king and queen Vernanthia so desperately needs, they must grapple with their newfound powers, a new marriage and all the complications of falling madly in love with someone you barely know. The path of true love was never smoothly paved—but this is a minefield.

The epic love story of Rowan and Julian continues in this imaginative retelling of Shakespeare’s classic Romeo & Juliet. If you think you know how this story ends—think again! Until Death Do Us Part is the second novel in the Defy the Stars Trilogy by best-selling author Susan Harris.

“The magical Romeo and Juliet reimagining you didn’t know you needed” ~ Melanie (Melanie’s Muses)

Novels in The Defy the Stars Trilogy by Susan Harris:
A Tale of Two Houses (March 2019- Now available!)
Until Death Do Us Part (April 2019- Now available!)
In Defiance of the Stars (May 2019- Final novel will release to complete the trilogy.)

• Language: English
• Publisher: CTP Publishing
• Release date: Apr 1, 2019
• ISBN: 9781634223560

Susan Harris

Susan Harris is a writer from Cork in Ireland. An avid reader, she quickly grew to love books in the supernatural/fantasy genre. When she is not writing or reading, she loves music, oriental cultures, tattoos, anything Disney and psychology. If she wasn't a writer she would love to be a FBI profiler or a PA for Dave Grohl or Jared Leto.Susan Harris is the author of Shattered Memories.

Book preview

I had always envisioned that death would be peaceful, quiet in its execution and deadly in its final moments, sweeping in like a storm and leaving behind a quiet devastation in its wake. It was never something that I feared: Death, an inevitability that came to us all. I never saw myself slowly withering into old age – the war between the covens preventing me from contemplating living that long. Yet I would never have imagined that I would die leaping to my death, holding the hand of my most hated enemy who I could now call husband.

During nights in the Dredge, I listened enraptured while soldiers conversed about what they expected from death. Considering I would one day stride into battle alongside them, I wondered what my own death would be like.

In a future where I would be the sovereign of the Cambridge coven, I had once thought that if I died as Queen, then it would be from a blade slicing through my flesh or a well-timed arrow to the heart. It would be a glorious death fit for a queen.

The soldiers in the Dredge had laughed along with me, toasting their own glorious deaths with a round of stale ale. But there was one soldier, whose eyes held a little more darkness than his younger comrades. He held my stare as he uttered words, telling me of the time where he had felt himself die from wounds he’d obtained, and in the moments before magic saved his life, he felt the coldness of death, and he had never recovered from it.

When my father died, I remember standing next to his body as it lay on a dais in the throne room, as subjects came to pay their respects. In the brief moments that I had alone with him and my mother, it appeared that he was simply sleeping, his eyes closed, his being still. I did not consider that he was never coming back until I slipped my hand into his and felt ice.

When Jules and I stepped over the edge, his hand clasped in mine, I felt the quietness of death in my very soul. I was strangely at peace as we crashed into the cascade of waves below us, as the impact of the water cracked my ribs. I felt my rib puncture my lung and the burn as I gasped for breath. I mourned the loss of Jules as his hand slipped from mine, and death’s reaper came to collect as my heart gave one final beat and I died.

I was prepared for death and had made my peace with it.

What I wasn’t prepared for was coming back to life again.

Sheer agony splintered through my body as my ribs knit together again. It felt as if someone had reached inside my chest and bent each and every rib until they went back into place. I opened my mouth to scream and swallowed an ocean of water, the pain in my body so damn loud I could not think.

Suddenly, I broke through the surface of the water, my scream reverberating off the empty cliffside. My vision blurry, I blinked a few times to try and reclaim my sight, dragging myself through the water to grasp hold of a rock before I succumbed to the treacherous waves once more.

Tears fell from my eyes in earnest, scalding my skin. I glanced down at my hand and watched as the cut skin, probably sliced open by some rock beneath the surface, closed before my eyes. In my shock, I almost let go of the jagged rock. What in all that was holy had just happened?

Night had fallen, so I must have lingered beneath the waves for the entire day. My eyes sought out a sign that Jules had also survived or for whatever it was that had befallen me, but I felt a sorrow ache in my chest because I could see not a sign of him. The fates must have decided that a crueler twist in our story was for one of us to survive the other.

Or perhaps I was dead and this was my purgatory, forever to tread the waters in the dark in search of my lost love. Bracing myself against the rocks as a wave crashed into me, I had a mere moment to hold my breath before the wave dragged me under. I struggled for a couple of heartbeats to tread the water before I breached the surface once again, gasping for breath. The saltwater tasted bitter in my mouth, and I coughed up a plentiful amount of water.

A chill began to seep into my bones, the rapid decent of darkness along with the frigid temperature of the water coming together, causing me to tremble and not be able to stop. Or perhaps it was the shock, not that I had gone so eagerly to my death, but that I had awoken to a new fate that was worse than death.

The sound of the waves crashing against the rocks seemed dull in comparison to the rapid beat of my heart resounding in my head. I glanced around, searching for a means to escape, a possible way to clamber up the cliffside and rest my weary bones on the grass. But I was exhausted; whatever scourge of fate that had stopped me from perishing within the waves had taken all of my energy with it.

I let loose a frustrated scream, the sound carrying across the night sky. From far away, I thought for a moment that I could hear someone call my name, that someone was out there in search of me, but I knew deep in my soul that it was my mind playing tricks on me. I was stranded, alone and utterly lost, trying to keep my head above water.

For the life of me, I could not fathom why I was trying so hard to stay alive, considering that I wanted to die. Stepping off the cliff had been a solid decision on our part, for the good of the covens and those living within the continent. Even as my head bobbed under the water again, I failed to understand why I tried to breach the surface again, and how I should just let myself drown. Had our sacrifice been in vain? Would the fact that I now gasped for breath make what Jules and I had done be void in the eyes of the fates?

When I emerged again from the water, I had barely a moment to blink the sting from the saltwater in my eyes when a massive wave curled, reaching new heights before it crashed into me. The swell of the wave yanked me under, and I ceased trying to save myself. I lingered under the surface, gulping in the seawater, waiting for death to come claim me again. And I welcomed its claim.

Staring out into the murky navy colored water, I ignored the burning in my eyes, and the flare of pain in my lungs. I could feel my brain begin to fog, and tears began to slip from my eyes. In the distance, like a mirage, I could see Jules reach out his hand for me, his ocean-blue eyes at home in the depths of the ocean. I held out my hand toward the mirage, his fingers almost within my grasp, when an arm wrapped around my waist and jerked me free of death's grasp.

Wrenched from the water, I wriggled and writhed against the person who had pulled me out, and I knew with absolute certainty that Mercy was my unlikely savior, the color of his hair unmistakable even in the blackness of night. As soon as my feet hit solid ground, I spun and used my balled-up fists to pound on his chest, while my temper got the best of me, and I did my best impression of a banshee.

You idiot! What have you done? You should have let me die!

Grasping my wrists with his fingers, Mercy’s silver eyes welled up as his grip tightened. One death is enough to bear this night.

And there was the truth of it, loud and clear from one who loved my husband as much as I; Jules was dead, and I was not. My husband was gone.

My husband. My husband was dead and I was a widow even before the seasons had turned to my eighteenth year in the world.

I would never hold his hand in mine, never feel the smile on his lips when he kissed me, nor would I ever see eyes of ocean blue ever again. Never would I experience the spark that ignited within me whenever Jules was near. It seemed crazy that I could mourn someone that I had only known for such a short period of time and loved so deeply.

We were a pair of star-crossed lovers who tried to defy the stars.

I tugged my wrists free of Mercy’s grasp and turned away, trying to wipe the tears from my eyes when I came face-to-face with an angry Tobias. From the haunted look on his face, Toby was not dealing with the decision that Jules and I had made. His cheeks were reddened from the wind, his eyes bloodshot from crying, and from the way he clenched and unclenched his fists, his rage at the fact that I had survived when Jules had not fueled his actions. If he struck me now, unleashed his anger upon me, I would have let him.

What in the hell were you both thinking? Toby’s voice began in a low whisper. How could you both be so stupid? Did you really think listening to a crone was a great idea? Did ye not have a brain between you that you thought suicide was a valid answer to our bloody situation. Look at us now, Rowan. His hands grabbed my shoulders and shook me hard. Look at where we stand now, Rowan. My brother is gone, and we don’t even have a body to burn!

The last sentence was roared at me, sounding louder than the waves crashing beneath us. I let him shake me and then drag me into a hug as his shoulders sagged in defeat. I wanted nothing more than to trade places with Jules, to be the one who had not come back from death so that Toby and Mercy had not lost their brother in all but blood.

I’m sorry, I mumbled into Toby’s chest as I attempted to untangle myself from his arms. It was rather strange, but I felt undeserving of their obvious relief that I was alive.

Taking a step away from Toby, I felt a blanket being draped over my shoulders, and I gave a small smile to Mercy in thanks. The warmth of the blanket surrounded me, but it seemed as if the cold had etched its way into my bones.

Turning slowly so that I face them once more, I tried to search for the right question to ask, but all I can come up with is, How many hours was I in the water?

The two friends shared a look of confusion before Mercy stated, Rowan, you have been missing for five days. A soldier saw you both go into the water and raised the alarm when neither of you resurfaced. We searched for days to no avail. It was only an off-the-cuff remark from the crone that had us out here this morning.

Five days…five damn days.

That’s not possible. I shook my head as if that will punctuate my disbelief at their words. I’ve been in that water for five days, and I died. My wounds healed, and I came back to life. If I am not dreaming and this is all true, then that means Jules could come back too. We need to find him.

Hope sparked in my heart and ignited a flame. I had to believe that whatever sorcery had saved my life had indeed saved Jules as well. I turn to gaze down at the water that continued to rage beneath my feet. I needed to go back in… I had to save Jules.

I barely took a step when a hand grasped my arm. I would not do that if I were you.

Mercy did not understand. In my heart, I could feel that Jules was not gone, as if my soul was tied to his, and I could feel him. Perhaps whatever magic had been at play when Jules and I were tied together in marriage was stronger than most. Maybe this was a symptom of the wretched curse and our penance for trying to circumvent it. If only I had some way to prove to them both that I could not be harmed, prove it to myself at the same time.

The idea came to me then, and I knew that I would have to be quick if I wanted the chance to catch Toby and Mercy unawares. One shot was all I would get; one shot was all that I needed.

I glance at Mercy, my eyes shifting to the silver blade strapped to his waist. Quick as lightening, I yanked the blade free from its sheath and plunged it into my stomach as the two boys yelled in shock.

The pain was excruciating, burning through my flesh like one would expect a dagger to the stomach to feel. I dropped to my knees, pulling the blade out slowly as I did. My blood dripped from the gleaming steel, and for a moment, I was hypnotized by it.

Why Rowan, why would you do this?

I gave a small smile to Tobias as I pointed down at my stomach, lifting the end of my tunic to bare my skin. Magic began to tickle my flesh as I watched the faint sparkle of magic circle like fireflies. I let loose a hiss while the wound knit itself back together, my skin smoothing as if I had never inflicted a fatal injury upon myself.

I was hoisted up by my arms, standing on shaking legs and watching the pale face of Tobias as his gaze wandered down to my midriff and back up to my eyes. Neat trick. How did you do that?

I wiped my hands down my tunic, swaying a tad from the blood loss. I have absolutely no idea. All I know for certain is that when I was in the water, my ribs were broken, and I had cuts and lacerations all over me. If it is possible for me to be standing here and talking with you, then is it madness to have hope that somehow Jules has met the same fate?

No one could have survived a fall like that.

Even as a wave of nausea washed over me, I pointed to myself and said, Yet here I stand.

And you are claiming that this was not a magic you held before you jumped into the water.

I shook my head. When I was a child, I broke bones; I skinned my knees and scratched my face off the branches of trees. Not once did they heal like this, not once.

We must bring you back to the rebel camp. We will figure this out.

I knew Mercy meant to go without searching for Jules. In the space of a night I had gone from hopeless to hopeful. I would not march back to the camp and leave Jules all alone out here. I would not. They would have to drag me kicking and screaming through my forest.

My eyes couldn’t help but move to gaze out into the vastness of the water, wishing for some indication that Jules was out there, waiting for me to reach out and take his hand in mine. I heard his voice beckoning to me, could almost feel the ghost of his lips against my neck. Sadness pierced my heart as sharply as the blade that sliced my skin. It began to hurt so much that I wanted to claw my heart from my chest just to stop the pain.

My body began to move of its own accord, seconds later I was tethering over the edge with Tobias wrapping a strong arm around my waist and dragging me backward. My scream of frustration echoes throughout the forest.

I struggled against Toby’s grasp. Let me go, please. I need to go to Jules.

Jules is gone, Rowan. Toby’s voice held so much emotion in it that I wanted to pound my fists against his chest and yell at him to wake up, that Jules was alive and waiting for us to find him.

No, I shouted, my mind fogging. I would know if he were dead. I would know.

I struggled in earnest now, every instinct in me howling to go back over the edge in search of my lost love. I made some progress, wriggling and kicking out, trying to catch Toby off guard so that I might escape.

A little help here, Mercy. Toby ground out and I came face-to-face with the silver haired assassin.

Mercy held my gaze, my own sorrow mirrored in his stare. You must rest, Rowan. The battle lines have been drawn and war is coming. We will need you to lead us through the darkness.

I cannot do it. I cannot do it without him.

You can and you must. But for now, sleep.

Mercy pressed two of his fingers to the nape of my neck, my mind already swirling with the storm of my thoughts. My eyes grew heavy. When I could no longer keep them open, I was hoisted up into strong arms, my head lolling against a chest that was not my husband's.

Get up, you fool.

The voice had been badgering me since I had awoken in a sorry state, impaled on the sharp rocks at the bottom of the cliff. Despite the knowledge that somehow death had come to lay its claim upon me, but decided to spit me back out once more, I could not avoid the irrational fear that if I pried my eyes open, that I might be trapped in a purgatory of my own creation.

Get up, you damned fool. If you continue to leak blood like that, then you will fall foul of some sea creature. Although, watching you regenerate from a shark bite could be very entertaining.

Yet again I ignored the voice. However, I slowly opened my eyes and began to rouse myself. But it was not as easy as I expected. There was a jagged rock plunged into my shoulder, another was so close to my eye that all I could see was the sharp point of it. I reached out with my hands and froze as I watched the cuts and abrasions knit themselves closed, leaving only a stain of crimson on my skin.

Swallowing the nausea that threatened to spill from my stomach, I grasped the flattest rock face within reaching distance and braced myself. Pushing up with only the muscles in my arms, I slowly eased off the shard of rock, a hiss escaping from my lips as a fire of agony ripped through my shoulder.

I paused and counted to three in my head before I yanked myself free of the rock and screamed out in pain as I collapsed onto my back. I gulped in a few shallow breaths, my ears ringing in time with the crashing of the waves around me.

By the gods, what does Rowan see in you? Screaming like a girl. And you are supposed to be king? My tormenter snorted but continued to watch me.

And you could have helped at any stage, could you not? I grumbled, cursing myself for speaking to him when I had managed to keep my lips sealed since I washed up here.

I would not have bothered even if I could.

I was about to retort when I felt the tingle of magic on my skin and glanced down at my shoulder. Through the slashes of my tunic, I could see the blood seeping from the wound. The tingling sensation intensified, and I clenched my teeth to stop another outburst of pain. I glared at the skin around the hole in my shoulder as it stretched and grew, forming new skin over the wound. When I blinked my eyes, the wound was gone, like it was never there, and I would not have believed it, if it were not for the dull ache in my shoulder.

Taking stock of myself, I saw that I was missing my boots, and both my tunic and pants had various tears and slashes. I closed my eyes, remembering the moment Rowan had taken my hand, and we had plunged into the depths of the ocean, calling out to death with the sacrifice that we had made.

Are you thinking of Rowan? I think you are. You get the frequent look of constipation when you think of her and it is rather amusing.

I ignored the voice, hoping that, like the magic that seemed to be woven into my flesh, if I tried hard enough, this wraith would vanish before my eyes.

The moment we had broken the surface of the water, Rowan’s hand had loosened in my grasp, and we separated. I watched her lose consciousness until my eyes burned while the saltwater pierced, making it harder to see as Rowan’s dark hair got lost in the darkness of the ocean, a vast black hole of desperation and death.

And then it felt as if a hand wrapped its arm around my ankle and pulled me further under, dashing my body against the hidden rocks. I felt the kiss of stone against my bones, and I could almost hear the tear of flesh. Water flooded my lungs, the suffocation slow, like striking a match against bare flesh. After being tossed around for a while, I floated there, my blood not even coloring the water it was so ebony. My mind was spinning and all I wanted to do was find Rowan so I could die holding the body of the girl I had fallen so profoundly in love with.

In the stillness of the water, the sound of my heartbeat thumped like a war drum until it did not. What once sounded so strong and unrepentant became shallow and low, a mere pitter patter in my chest. My head banged against a rock and with one last thump of defiance, my heart stopped, and I was no more.

If you are going to weep, I may just find it in me to vomit.

The spell broken by his words, I lifted my eyes to take in the wraith's appearance. Dressed head to toe in his coven’s uniform, it would not be hard to believe that this young man was alive, that is, until under closer inspection you could see the gash in his tunic where I had driven my blade between his ribs and into his heart when he had confronted me in this very forest and we had fought. There was even a dark stain of blood soaking the front of his clothing, a stain that should not have been so visible but it simply was.

His dark hair was swept off his face, revealing a pale, almost chalky pallor to his skin. The cocky smirk on his face had not lessened with death, nor had the