Page 46 of Chains of Love

I turn back to Darak, my heart constricting at the storm of emotions radiating through our bond. The shrine's cold stones press against my back as I lean against them for support.

"Don't do that," Darak cuts me off, his crimson eyes flashing. Through our connection, I feel him trying to shut down the wave of longing and need I'm projecting.

"I can't help what I feel." My fingers twist in the fabric of my robes. "Do you know what it's like to grow up being told you're wrong? That your very existence is a mistake?" The memories of my coven's cruel words rise up like bile. "I won't hide anymore. I shouldn't have to."

Our gazes lock across the chamber. The torchlight catches the scar on his jaw, the one I traced with my fingers just nights ago. His jaw clenches as confusion and hurt war across his features. Behind me, I feel Seth and Kaelor's presence like twin flames, steady and sure.

"Stay," I whisper. "Just for dinner. Just for tonight."

Darak's hand flexes on his sword hilt. His eyes dart between my companions before settling back on me. "Fine," he growls. "But only because I'm fucking hungry."

I nod adamantly and whisper a weak, "Thank you."

I turn to Kaelor, forcing a smile. "Would you show Darak to the guest room? He'll want to wash up before dinner."

Kaelor's amber eyes narrow, but he nods. "This way, elf."

The tension in my chest eases slightly as they disappear around the corner, though I can still feel Darak's turbulent emotions through our bond. Seth opens his arms, and I practically fall into them, letting his familiar presence wash over me.

"Talk to me, pet." His scales are cool against my cheek as he wraps around me. "You seem different."

I pull away, heading for the kitchen. The familiar motions of cooking will help settle my nerves. "It was different this time," I insist, pulling vegetables from the pantry.

Seth follows, his tail making a soft whisper against the stone floor. "Different how?" He reaches past me to grab the knife I'm fumbling for. "You've never brought one home this... angry before."

I slide the knife through the vegetables with practiced motions, though my hands tremble slightly. Seth's scales brush against my arm as he leans closer, his presence steadying.

"With you..." My voice softens with memory. "It was easy. You were eager to show me things I never knew." The knife pauses over a carrot. "With Kaelor, he was just so eager. As soon as he smelled my blood, he was prepared to devote his very existence to me. But Darak..." The vegetable splits under my blade with more force than necessary. "He's fought me every step of the way."

"How so?" Seth's hand covers mine, stilling my aggressive chopping. He sends waves of calming energy that make my shoulders relax.

"There was this cabin..." I set the knife down, turning to face him. "A human woman there. Serra. She was beautiful, and Darak..." My throat tightens. "He welcomed her attention. And the things he said to me..."

Seth's scales ripple with anger, but his voice remains steady. "And this upset you?"

I press my palms against my eyes. "We had to fight for every moment of affection. Nothing came easily like it did with you and Kaelor. And now..." My hands drop to my sides. "Now that I finally earned his love, the thought of losing it..."

"Shhh." Seth's tail wraps around my waist, pulling me closer. "Valentia chose him for a reason, pet. All will be well."

At least now, I'm home.

23

DARAK

Isit at the crude wooden table, my appetite gone as I watch the nauseating display before me. Kaelor tears into his meat, but his amber eyes never leave Lirien's face. When she laughs at something Sethrys says, the beast's tail wags against the stone floor.

"More wine, my dear?" Sethrys's forked tongue flicks out as he reaches for her cup. His scaled fingers brush against hers deliberately.

"Thank you, Seth." Lirien's voice carries that same warmth she used with me just hours ago. The same warmth I thought was special. Reserved.

My stomach churns as Kaelor pushes his plate toward her. "Try. Sweet meat."

"Oh, I couldn't possibly eat another bite." But she does, letting him feed her a morsel directly from his claws.

The wine in my cup tastes like vinegar. Every gesture, every loving look they give her – it's a mirror of my own behavior these past weeks. The way I'd bring her water during our travels. How I'd scan the horizon for danger while she slept. The pride I felt when making her smile.

"Remember when we first met?" Sethrys coils closer to her. "You were so determined to prove yourself to the coven."

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