Page 111 of Secrets & Curses of Cerithia

“You’re very quiet, my love.”

I turned to face Cassius and saw how worried he was.

“I feel like you have had the worst of this curse,” I whispered. His brows furrowed at my statement. “You have to remember everything, while I live unaware of the pain and sorrow. It must be torture to see me and realize I don’t know you at all.”

He was quiet as he thought about what I said.

“If this is the punishment I must carry for saving your life, then I would gladly do this every year for the rest of our existence.”

“I’ll get the bloodstone and fulfill the prophecy so we can live a full life together,” I promised. Cassius leaned forward and kissed me before wrapping me up in his arms.

Chapter 35

Afew days later, Cassius walked into our room with a contagious smile. He was in a better mood than I had anticipated he would be in. I woke up to the wonderful smell of food he had made and brought to bed.

He leaned down and kissed me before pulling back with a big smile.

“Good morning, my love.”

“You’re very happy.” I raised my skeptical eyebrow at him.

“Today is the day we get our lives back, and I can’t wait to have you all to myself.” He sat at the edge of the bed as I started eating the warm bread and meats he brought me.

“I’m looking forward to it too.” I smiled. “Did you always cook for me before?”

“You’re a terrible cook.” He chuckled when my face fell. “But I was teaching you, and you were getting better.”

I nodded as I ate the food. Cassius rested his hand on my leg as he shared breakfast with me. This was a morning routine I could get used to.

“Do you want to hear the plan?”

“Yes.”

“We are going to ride to the far border of Crimson and cause a distraction. You’ll ride with us there, so you know when to travel to Cerithia using shadow magic. You can take Haden, Kace, and Zade with you when you travel, just in case you run into guards.”

“Seems simple enough,” I agreed. “Maybe I should go by myself. I can use my magic to get out of there, but having the guys with me might end up being a problem if they are caught.”

He mulled over my words and then nodded.

“That’s a possibility, I suppose. I don’t know how much I like the thought of you going alone, though.”

“I can do it. Taking them with me will only make me worry about their safety. If I go by myself, then I can go and get out within a few minutes. Besides, I’ve only used shadow magic a few times, and if I left one by accident, then I could never forgive myself.”

Cassius was silent for a long moment, and I thought he would argue.

“If you think that is best, then I will trust your judgment.”

Happiness and pride filled my chest. How lucky was I that my mate believed in me enough to let me do what I think is best?

“I love you.” I smiled.

“I love you too, little viper.” He leaned forward and kissed me before we stood and dressed.

We met the small group of guards that were going with us in the foyer of the castle. Cassius must have briefed them on the mission because no one asked any questions.

“Does everyone understand the plan?”

The guards all nodded.

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