Valley of the Dead (26 page)
Read Valley of the Dead Online
Authors: Kim Paffenroth
Tags: #living dead, #dante, #twisted classics, #zombies, #permuted press, #george romero, #kim paffenroth, #dante alighieri, #pride and prejudice and zombies, #inferno
In the dark, it was impossible to tell if she blushed at this. Of course, it wouldn’t have changed anything, whether she did or not, for Dante would’ve approved her modesty if she did blush, and admired her confidence if she didn’t. He could see, however, that she smiled, though they both kept their attention fixed on the stars. “And when you tell of others’ virtues, Dante, what will you say of yourself?”
“Just that I’m very observant. And grateful.”
She laughed outright at this. It was the first time Dante had ever heard her really laugh -- a full and healthy outpouring of joy, with a ringing, musical quality to it. He imagined that in the empyrean, the blessed laughed like this as they embraced one another – those souls like Beatrice who were beyond pain or jealousy, loss or envy.
“Perhaps you could give yourself a little more credit?” Bogdana said as her laughter subsided. “Do it for me, at least. One who is worthy of me should be more than just observant and grateful, don’t you think?”
“All right, for you.”
Their gaze met again. When her lips touched his, Dante knew a tiny bit more of the beauty his words could never attain.
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