Page 73 of Fated

“That night when you gave me those few memories, when I felt the love of my mother, it made me realize what exactly I’d taken from you.”

I bit my lip hard, swallowing the lump in my throat.

“I will spend every day regretting what I did, and I’ll never understand why, after everything, you still offered me yourfriendship.” He paused, searching my face. “Before meeting you, I thought my life was perfect, never realizing it had no purpose. I’d never felt things like love, joy or even fear. They were weak human emotions, but now that I’ve tasted them, I don’t ever want to go back.”

I couldn’t look away from him, his gaze burning into mine, full of raw intensity.

“When I’m with you, Areya, for the first time I can remember, I feel … alive.”

It was surreal, hearing those words come from the same man who had been the source of my deepest pain. The same man who had caused my mother’s death.

The one who had kidnapped me and had drained the life out of a woman before my eyes.

But as I looked at him now, I realized Ash wasn’t the same man anymore. This version of him, the one sitting across from me now—vulnerable and honest—was a glimpse of the real Ash, the one hidden beneath the curse. And suddenly, I craved to know that Ash, all of him.

“If you never do another thing for me, Areya, that’s ok,” he said. “Because you’ve already saved me. And we will find another way to get answers—together.”

His words touched something deep inside of me. I wanted him to know I saw his change. Without thinking, I reached across the table and took his hands in mine.

“I’m so proud of you, Ash,” I said with a soft smile. For the briefest moment, I could have sworn I had seen a hint of pink creep into his cheeks.

But lowering my eyes to the table, something still gnawed at me.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

“I know it’s selfish, but I’m afraid,” I admitted.

He looked at me, confused.

“I’m afraid, Ash, because right now, it’s just you and me. From the moment we decided we were in this together, it meant I wasn’t alone anymore. But, earlier today, I realized … You’re going to get your memories back, and when that happens, you will have a kingdom waiting for you, a family. Probably a beautiful woman.” The words were hard to speak. “You won’t need me anymore. I mean, the idea of someone likeyouneeding me …”

My words trailed off, and I shook my head.

“What do you mean by ‘someone like you’?”

“You’re you,” I said, motioning to him. “You’re—God, you’re gorgeous, apparently incredibly powerful, and a freaking prince, for God’s sake.” I let out a laugh at the absurdity of it all. “And I’m just me. I have nothing to offer you.”

Ash stared at me, a deep sadness settling on his face. “Why do you think so little of yourself, Areya?” He squeezed my hands.

“I’ve just always been different, shy, a little awkward.”

“And?”

I swallowed hard, unsure how to respond.

“Do you know what I think?”

I shook my head.

“I think it takes an exceptional person to fight for someone they should hate. I love that you’re different, and I admire your uniqueness.” He paused, his throat bobbing as he swallowed. “I don’t really give a shit what my memories bring back. I don’t give a shit what responsibilities await me or evenwhowaits for me. I don’t want anything to do with that life if you’re not in it. You are my friend, and whatever we face, we will face it together—memories or no memories.”

Ash ran a hand through his hair, visibly frustrated.

“You don’t get it, do you?I’mthe one who doesn’t deserve you, damn it. And for the love of all things, you are fucking gorgeous. I thought it from the moment I laid eyes on you in that bar in the human world.”

He paused, his eyes searching mine. “It’s you and me together—always. Ok?”

I nodded and smiled, then sniffled, trying to be strong but it was useless. The tears spilled over, running down my cheeks in steady streams.

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