Moonsong Glacier crystophora

The answer soothed his nerves, but in his heart, he still worried. Would Tulugak accept Sulukinak's place in his life? Would his shadow girl adjust well to the changes that might ripple from the union? Part of him thought it might be better to ask her, here and now, to marry him and be done with it.

But she did not want a husband. And Dutch, ultimately, knew that a marriage of convenience would not make him happy, either. Even if it was with someone that he loved.

"Good," said Dutch, his voice soft. "Neither am I."

And if he ever did, he would bring her with him.