Page 81 of The Princess and the Demon

He takes a step backwards, looking down at the ground. His expression is unreadable.

This isn’t my passionate determined demon.

This is someone else.

“You heard me.” He says evenly. There’s no inflection in his voice, and the words are spoken with no emotion.

His eyes find mine again, and I search his amber depths.

“I can’t go home-I… can’t.” I say softly.

Amon doesn’t say anything for a moment, but I notice his fists clench at his sides. “I’m releasing you from our bond.”

He reaches behind him, pulling out a rolled scroll a moment later.

I reach out, placing a hand against his forearm. “Amon, no. Don’t do this.” I plead, swallowing thickly as he unrolls the scroll, holding it out in front of him.

“Stop!” I say, my pitch rising.

“Elora, princess of Delyra,” He starts, his knuckles white as he grips the parchment, “I release you from our blood bond,” the ground shifts beneath me. “And I relinquish my claim on the sun-touched male child promised one-thousand years ago.”

“No! I don’t accept this!” I bellow at him, reaching for the scroll.

He rips the parchment down the middle, and something within me shifts. I double over, grief washing over me.

I dig my nails into his forearm, seeking purchase.

I feel like I’m going to faint.

“Amon…” I whisper, stars dancing in my vision.

He reaches out, wrapping a hand around my upper arm, and we are instantly transported to Delyra.

I tumble to the ground when he releases me.

Tears stream down my cheeks, but I don’t look up at him.

Amon stands there for a moment, and just as I start to look up at him, the air shifts, and he’s gone.

I curl my fingers in the dirt before looking around me.

Grief lances through me again and I let out a pained cry.

Amon

Once I’m back through the portal, I am forced to one knee. I clench my fist against the ground as grief washes over me.

Releasing Elora from our bond was one thing, but sending my mate away from my realm had an immediate effect on me.

I had never felt so weak in all of my existence.

Dipping my head, I allow the grief the lance through my heart. It was the least I deserved. I would never be able to forgive myself, and I would never forget the look on Elora’s face.

Allocer comes rushing from the castle, helping me to my feet. He snakes an arm around me, steadying me.

“I’m so sorry, brother.” He says.

I grunt in response as he assists me back inside.

---