Page 97 of The Princess and the Demon

Amon takes my hand in his, raising it to his lips.

“But that’s just it,” he starts, brushing his mouth over my knuckles. “I can’t live in a world where you don’t exist, my dove.” He closes his eyes as he places a lingering kiss against my hand.

“I need to know that you truly understand the risks.”

The pad of his thumb runs small circles over the back of my hand, sending sparks flickering through me.

“I know what I’m getting myself into, and I’m not afraid.”

I gasp as he pulls me to him again.

“I am.” He growls, running his hands up my arms. Cupping my face in his hands, he leans down, kissing my lips gently.

“I’m not willing to risk your life.”

Anger fills me then, and I push away from him reluctantly.

“What?” I ask with a frown. “You’re not willing to risk my life? What about the lives of everyone else still on Earth. What about their lives?” I ask, putting more distance between us.

“I CHOSE to come here, Amon, not just for you, or for us, but because we,” I gesture to the space between us, “Are part of something much larger now. We have the opportunity to give humanity a true second chance.”

Amon scoffs, shoving another hand into his hair.

“Are those your words or Allocer’s?”

I sneer at him.

“You’re joking, right?” I ask, placing my hands on my hips. “We have an obligation-.”

Amon bellows, cutting me off. “No, we don’t. Elora, I don’t think you understand what you’re-.”

I cut him off, bellowing back.

“I understand perfectly well what could come of all of this!” I step up to him, raising my chin and poking him in the chest.

“Do YOU? Do you understand what you’ll be robbing of people if you don’t at least try?”

Amon looks down at me, his eyes burning.

The sight makes my cheeks heat, but I refuse to give into my bodily urges right now.

“You have an obligation to humanity! You three are the ones who convinced Lucifer to give humanity a second chance. It’s your job to give it to them. When Lucifer came to me-.”

Amon eyes flash before taking on a wild gleam. “Lucifer came to you?” he asks, the pitch of his voice rising.

I pause, realizing the slip I’d made.

“When I was in Delyra, yes.” I say softly as I regard him.

“Amon, he knows. He knows about me, and he knows what I mean to you. I’m in more danger at home than I am here… with you.”

I cringe as he bellows out a growl, turning away from me and clenching his fists.

“This could have all been avoided if you’d just let things be!”

Time stops.

Pain lances through my heart as I realize what he’s suggesting.

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