Page 113 of Wickedly Yours

“I’ll leave you alone now, Your Highness. Let her get some rest. She needs it.”

“Okay.”

I sat holding her hand until nighttime fell, watching her chest rise and fall as she slept, and then I kissed her forehead, promising to exact the vengeance we both deserved.

Grabbing my sword, I let the door close softly.

“It’s done,” I said, the door shutting behind me. I wiped my hand over my face, letting the events of the evening sink in. “It’s over. It’s all over.”

“You look like absolute shit,” Asura muttered, running her hands through her chopped green bob.

“Ha. Thanks,” I huffed, rolling my eyes.

“How’s she doing?”Lilith asked.

Six demons stood outside the doors, hardly a breath to be heard. Talon and Thorn, their blonde heads pressed together, Kairos and even Novalie. All of them just waiting to hear how Luna was doing.

“She’ll be fine,” I promised, keeping the other nugget of information to myself for now. “The magic just took a lot out of her. The healer said after some rest, she should wake up. She’ll be okay.”

Sighs of relief went through all of them.

“Thank you.” The words were a struggle to get out. “For staying by my side all these years. I don’t deserve your loyalty, but I’m damn glad I have it.”

“You deserveallof this, Zain,” Lilith said, a little twinkle in her eyes. Was she… crying? “But don’t stay out here with us.” She pushed me back towards the bedroom. “Go wait with Luna.”

I dipped my head in a nod, unable to say anything else.

Luna was still laying inourbed, sleeping, her hair spread out over black satin sheets that made her look like the moon. So bright. So beautiful. And all mine.

Slumping into a chair next to her bedside, I finally closed my eyes. The effects of today—all the energy used, of being awake for so many hours—had taken its toll on me, too. Even though I was powerful, even my body had its limits.

All I needed was a moment of rest, and then I’d be right as rain.

That was what I told myself as I succumbed to sleep, letting it take me under.

Daylight’s reddish rays streamed through the window when Icracked my eyes open, stretching my arms and neck from the uncomfortable position of sleeping in the chair.

But she was awake. In a clean dress. Like someone had helped her bathe.

“Zain,” she whispered, her hand resting over her heart.

“Luna.” I stood, unable to stand another minute apart from her. “You’re awake.”

“I have been for a little while, but you looked like you needed it more than me.”

I let out a huff of air. She had no idea. “How are you feeling?” I asked her, sitting on the edge of the bed and taking her hand so I could kiss her knuckles.

“I should be the one askingyouthat.” Luna reached out, brushing her thumb over my cheekbone. “Are you okay?”

I shut my eyes, relishing the feeling of her touch. “Honestly, no. But I will be. He deserved his end. I just wish I’d been awake when you woke up.”

She shook her head. “Novalie helped me. I didn’t…” Luna swallowed roughly, sliding her hand into mine. “I’m sorry if I scared you. I didn’t know that would happen.”

“It’s my fault. I dragged you into all of this. I told you I’d keep you safe, but I couldn’t even do that. I never should have tied you to me.” I looked up at the ceiling, unable to make eye contact with her. “If you want to go back, I can take you.” My heart was in my throat.

“To Pleasant Grove?” She sounded shocked. “Why?”

“It’s your home.”

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