Page 41 of Chains of Nightshade

"Because I realized I couldn't live without you." Simple truth, finally spoken. "Because I love you too."

The magic in her hand pulses erratically, mirroring her internal struggle. Her breath comes in short gasps, anger and hurt and confusion all fighting for dominance in her expression.

I force myself to look at her, each tear falling down her face another dagger in my heart. The magic crackling around her singes my scales, but the physical pain is nothing compared to the agony of seeing what I've done to her.

"I was afraid," I admit, my voice hoarse. "Not of the dark elves, not of death. I was afraid of what you made me feel."

She scoffs, magic flaring brighter. "Don't lie to me. Not again."

"I've spent centuries in darkness, Vera. Centuries plotting revenge, hardening my heart." My chest tightens as memories of our time together flood back. "Then you came along with your gentle touch and kind heart, and I..." I trail off, watching her face contort with fresh pain.

"And what?" Her magic pulses dangerously, gathering in a purple flickering storm. "You decided to use that kindness against me?"

"I told myself that's all it was. That you were just a means to an end." The admission tastes bitter on my tongue. "But every moment with you chipped away at my walls. Every smile, every touch..." I clench my fists, scales scraping against stone. "It terrified me."

"So you ran." Her voice cracks, magic flickering like her resolve.

"Like a coward." Blood drips from my wounds, but I barely notice it. "I convinced myself leaving you behind was the only way to stay true to my purpose. To my revenge." I laugh bitterly. "What a fool I was."

"You broke me," she whispers, tears falling faster now. "I trusted you. I gave you everything."

"I know." My voice breaks. "And I'll spend the rest of my life trying to make it right, if you'll let me."

The magic around her hand wavers, uncertainty crossing her features. "How can I ever trust you again?"

I close my eyes, my chest tight with regret and pain. The wounds from her magic throb, but they're nothing compared to the ache in my heart. "I was a coward. I thought I could live without you. I thought my freedom was all that mattered."

The moment I left her, something inside me shattered. Each step away felt like walking through fire, my body rebelling against my decision. "And you put a curse on me." I laugh bitterly, wincing at the pain it causes. "I can never get away from you as we're mates. Mates that are tied by fate and magic."

Her magic flickers, uncertainty crossing her features. "What?"

"When you cursed me, it awakened something ancient. Something primal." I press a hand to my chest, where the bond pulses between us. "I tried to run, but the pain..." I shake my head, remembering the agony that drove me to my knees. "It was like my soul was being torn apart."

Her purple magic around her hands dims slightly. "You're lying."

"I wish I was." Blood drips from a wound on my shoulder, but I barely notice it. "Every moment away from you is torture. But you know what hurts more?" My voice cracks. "Knowing I deserve it."

Her magic flickers, and I watch the conflict play across her face. The raw power emanating from her makes my scales tingle, but it's nothing compared to the ache in my chest. My mate. The word echoes in my mind, a bitter reminder of my failure.

"You're not fighting back," she says, her voice wavering.

"No." Blood drips from my wounds, but I remain still. "I won't."

Her magic pulses erratically, matching her uneven breathing. "Why?"

"Because I deserve this." My voice breaks. "I defiled something sacred. Our bond..." I press a hand to my chest wherethe mating bond throbs like an open wound. "I knew what you were to me, and I still left."

"What do you mean?" Her magic dims slightly, confusion crossing her features.

"Nagas mate for life, Vera. One partner, bound by magic and fate." I laugh bitterly, wincing at the pain. "I felt it the moment we connected in those dreams. But I was too proud, too focused on revenge to accept it."

"Stop." Her hands tremble. "Just stop."

"I've lived for centuries, but I've never felt anything like this." My voice drops to a whisper. "And I threw it away. Threw you away."

Her magic falters further, tears streaming down her face. "You're begging."

"Yes." I meet her gaze, letting her see the truth in my eyes. "I would crawl through fire for you, Vera. I would spend eternity making amends."

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