Page 136 of Tempest of Wrath and Vengeance

“You can’t take the twin flame Mark, Axel,” Cienna said, a thread of sadness in her tone.

“What? Why not? They said it was a bond between a Fae and Legacy,” he said, trying to keep his voice low to not wake Katya.

“Yes,” Cienna said. “A twin flame bond can only be between a Fae and a Legacy. Twin flames also cannot physically harm each other. The bond does not allow it. But you were already on anedge and hadn’t taken the Mark to initiate the bond. Even if you managed to take it, it would fade. Just as hers will.”

He had harmed her.

He had nearly killed her.

“I told you it could not be undone,” Cienna added.

He was shaking his head at the words. “No,” he said. Then firmer he repeated, “No. This isn’t— Myfatherhad me locked away. I was a prisoner. They wouldn’t give me rations. I didn’t do this.”

“I know, Axel.”

“I didn’tdothis,” he said again. “I didn’t do this!”

“I understand,” she said calmly.

“I can’t be— You’re wrong,” he said, lifting a hand and letting his shadows free. “I still have my magic.”

“And it will slowly slip from your soul,” she replied. “In a week, maybe two, you will no longer be a Legacy. Your skin is already cooler to the touch, and I would guess you find the sun a little too bright.”

“No,” he said, shaking his head again in fierce denial. “That’s because I was locked in the dark for weeks. I’m still adjusting. Recovering. I’m not— I don’tfeelany different. I still have my fucking power!”

Katya stirred beside him, and he looked down at her. Perfect and soft. Innocent andgood. Carrying his child.

His child.

“The babe?—”

“Was conceived before this. He will be an Arius Legacy,” Cienna said.

“He?” Axel repeated hoarsely.

She nodded once.

And he wouldn’t be here for any of it.

He wouldn’t be here to see him born.

Would he have his eyes or hers? A darker complexion like her warm skin or the perfect mix of both? Would he be studious like her, or love music and chaosphere like him?

He wouldn’t be here.

He wouldn’t be here to see his first steps and hear his first words. He wouldn’t be here when his power emerged to help him learn to master it. He wouldn’t be here to play chaosphere or give him music or watch him grow. He wouldn’t be here to see what kind of person he became.

He wouldn’t be here.

Because he would be a danger to his mother.

Forever.

There was no swallowing the emotion this time. Tears spilled over.

Hot and angry.

Sad and agonized.

---