Page 61 of Queen of Wrath

His eyes dropped down to his folded hands as he began ringing out his fingers. “I was there for years before I was able to escape. By that time, though, I was hardly recognizable anymore. The ingredients and potions I was fed altered me right down to my genetics.”

He took a step toward me, wiping his hand down his face, causing it to transform. He went from looking like a common-looking magical being to a frightening one. His familiar brown eyes had become a spiraling silver nightmare.

What terrible kinds of potions could have changed him so drastically?!

His face was now gaunt, his eyes sunken into his skull, his cheekbones sharp and protruding, with hundreds of little white scars peppered all over his discolored skin. He was even taller and considerably bulkier now. They’d turned him into a beast…

He ran his palm across his face again, replacing the disguise. He was Emory again, those familiar earthy eyes studying me carefully, as if he expected me to start screaming, or outright tell him he was a monster.

But all I could think was how happy I was that he’d been alive all this time. It didn’t matter how much he had changed, that he survived and made it out was what was most important.

My bottom lip quivered.

I reached forward, placing my hand over his to stop him from fidgeting, ignoring the discomfort I felt from the burns. His disbelieving gaze followed my hand, then looked up at me in utter astonishment.

“I'm so sorry that happened to you, but I’m glad you showed those bastards they can’t break you, despite everything they did to you,” I murmured, feeling something between rage and relief bubbling within my chest. “Had I known you were still alive, I would have come looking for you.”

“You didn't have to. Fate brought us together just like she did the first time.” I felt my heart squeeze as the look in his eyes softened. “Please drink the potion. I know you must be in a great deal of pain.”

I gave him an uneven nod before bringing the glass to my lips. I allowed the liquid to simply touch my tongue at first. It was unbelievably bitter, but I could taste the magical properties within it. I trusted that whatever was in this glass would heal me quickly… Or maybe it was just that I trusted him.

I gulped down the rest as quickly as I could, ignoring the urge to spit it back out.

As I breathed in deeply, my nostrils felt like they were on fire.

I shook my head sharply at the terrible taste and sensations, but instantly regretted it.

My body screamed at me to stop moving. So, I decided to stay perfectly still, allowing the potion to take hold. “I remember you said you were somewhat of a potion connoisseur before you were captured and thrown in prison.”

“You sound surprised,” he chuckled lightly, the sound of it sending waves of heat coursing through my blood—or maybe it was the potion’s effects spreading through my body.

“If I've learned anything from having to work with highly paid Potionists, it's that none of them deserve to be there. It’s just that I’ve never actually met anyone truly competent—or useful—in a long while.”

“Is that Lea talking, or Emma?”

The question caught me off guard. I tilted my head and forced a smile. “What difference does that make now?”

“It makes a world of difference to me.” His voice went quiet as he leaned in closer.

The unruly thing in my chest began pattering with excitement. It wasn't something I was used to it doing anymore.

I didn't know how to react. So, I held completely still, and allowed him to take hold of my face.

His hands were rough and calloused as they caressed my cheeks.

My eyelids fluttered closed, as if my lashes had suddenly become too heavy to hold up.

My lips parted slightly, letting out a gentle breath.

My senses were heightened, and I could hear the way his heart was pounding against his rib cage.

“If I'm going to kiss you, let Lea be the one to receive it, no one else,” he whispered, his soft words cascading against my mouth as he hovered less than an inch away.

My eyes opened suddenly, and the rage boiled up in my throat, as if Emma was trying to crawl out of me and strangle him for saying that.

But I didn't want to hurt him. I nodded my head slowly and closed my eyes again.

Even if it's just for a moment. I want to be that young girl with hope again. Is that really so bad?

---