Page 119 of Scars and Burns

“She is my mate. Fated and blessed together by the Goddess. Our souls co-exist in harmony with one another. The darkest parts of ourselves matching the other. Our broken souls coming together as one.”

“So-so you’ve confirmed the bond?”

“We had been denying it to each other for a long time. Though there has always been a pull towards her. A longing desire neither of us could resist for long. Something devastating in her eyes from the moment I saw her.” My face softens. Recalling that raid on her village.

“And when was that Prince Aeron? How long have you kept this from her? Do you really think she will welcome you as her mate after finding out you were there the night her Mother died and you did nothing?”

He has a valid point. I have yet to reveal any of this to her. But no matter, her hatred for me will not reverse the Goddess’s woven fate.

I glare at him, “You won’t be there to find out.”

His features hardens again, “You are going to kill me.” He says it like a statement but there is fear and questioning in his tone.

Stepping even closer. I am right in his face. I can hear the shakiness in his breath. See the sweat drip down the side of his face as he lifts it away. Trying to escape me.

Looking him up and down, “No, King Elio, I am not going to kill you. You are not mine to kill. Why deny Dinalia the pleasure in killing you herself.” Engulfing us in my black smoke, I teleport us to his study and release him from his chains.

“One last thing?” I ask, towards King Elio.

He hums in response.

“The binding used on her wrists. It restricted her from utilizing her magic. What is it?”

He smiles, “Ask your Father.”

My eyes flash and then I am gone.

51

Dinalia

Iwake to a little extra warmth in my body. Something is off.

I feel different.

Opening my eyes reluctantly to the sun shining into my room. I open them to a flower.

My flower.

A black dahlia laying on the pillow next to mine. There is only one person who would have - could have - placed this here.

Aeron.

I pick up the flower. Smiling at the thought of him.

Then it all hits me in a flash. The events of last night.

The guards. King Elio. The assault. Aeron.

He saved me.

I feel my wrists. They are sore from whatever they had binding me. But it doesn’t match the cuts on my wrists I gave myself earlier that night before dinner.

Recalling the night’s events. I remember Aeron hosting me into his arms. Teleporting me to my chambers and laying me down in my bed. He was standing over me. Saying something. Though I can’t remember what. I was weak. I wasn’t lucid.

I was dying.

I should be dead.

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