Page 12 of Omission

“Six days, and we’ve been looking for her. Thought she might’ve taken some time for herself since the anniversary of Roberto’s—”

“Do you think it’s related? That they’re together?” His tone is sharp and the questions straightforward; this is the wolfen king speaking and not someone I consider my kin. Not that I didn’t understand; I’d react the same way if it were my mate one day. The importance of protecting, honoring, and cherishing your female is ingrained in our DNA since we’re old enough to comprehend our laws.

No matter the species, mates are sacred.

“I don’t think they’re together. Why would he want Silla, too? She’s of no importance.”

“Yet I don’t believe in coincidences when it comes to that piece of shit king, Leonardo.” He blames himself; it’s there in his tone, although the crime falls on Larue’s shoulders. The fae king has been behind all of our misfortunes—the pain and tears shed—and he will pay for each one with his blood and that of his family.

So mote it be.

Aunt Silla’s my responsibility out of gratitude and a familial bond, but my sister’s come first.

Just as Isabella is Xadiel’s world. Like Gabriella is the heart and soul of a vampire half-god.

The day my sisters set off to find their mates and form an alliance—provide the protection our sacred lands needed—I accepted them without hesitation. Appreciate everything they’ve done, but now it’s time for me to sacrifice.

They’ve each had a heavy price to pay for the safety of all Wiccans.

Moreover, I owe them more than anyone here.

My life. My crown. My loyalty.

I will find them. I will lay Larue’s corpse at their feet.

“You’re right, brother. And I know where I’ll start.”

If those two witches in my prison know anything, I’ll find out. And if they’re involved in any way, I’ll honor my family by bathing our sacred grounds in their blood.

4

ANAYA

My mother’s garden is one of my favorite places and at night. It’s magical, a true enchantment as the flowers sigh and perfume the air, inviting you to close your eyes and find respite after a tiring day. It’s my solace after playing a role all day; the dutiful daughter without a voice or choice.

Because I have neither. Just like this isn’t the first time I find myself out late and wandering, walking through the only place left in my mother’s kingdom that holds a bit of her essence.

She’s here in these flowers and the ground I walk on. Her ashes laid to rest among her favorite things—the white lilies here bloom year-long without pause and it’s because of her.

They repaid her kindness since she planted the first bulb.

These lands miss her and silently weep with me.

Because many think she died a happy queen and mate, but I knew the truth. Mother ran from my father once, before I was born, and was dragged back to fulfill her duties to him and her people under constant watch. Under duress and heartache. No one cared about her happiness within these walls except me. Not even her father saw her, really looked past the fake smiles and stoic behavior, much as he does with me.

“One day, I’ll be free.” At the center of the garden, there’s a large fountain that never ceases to run, and I’m sitting against the side that faces away from the castle. Not that anyone comes in here. Most treat this place like a shrine to be admired from afar and never touched, something on nights like tonight I appreciate.

My body is sore.

My throat burns as if I were catching a cold.

It’s why I take in deep breaths and close my eyes, letting the sweet fragrance from these blooms bring me comfort, but then the breeze suddenly sweeps past me ruffling my long hair and with it, there’s something new. Warm. Rich. A bit of spice that has no reason for being among these floral notes.

Yet I don’t reject it. If anything, my chest expands and I pull it in deeper.

“What is that?” And in any normal setting, I’d open my eyes and go investigate, yet I’m afraid to move. To lose this…whatever it is because I want more. To hold it closer. “Chocolate with cloves.”

That’s what it reminds me of.

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