Page 131 of Of Rime and Ruin

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I brought this upon her.

This is my fault, like the healer said.

The blame is mine and mine alone.

She stands. Braces her hand on the wall. Lifts her face to meet the king’s gaze. I stare at her, drinking in her beauty. Memorizing it to store deep within my memory.

Don’t say you’re doing this for me.

But I am. This is for her. I need her to be safe.

Because you think you’re a murderer? Aethan! Tell me, when did you make the kill? You were with me all evening!

I can’t answer her. I shove at her presence, pushing her away.

You are kind. Loyal. A little rough around the edges, sure, but you have compassion and love. I cannot believe you’re a cold-blooded killer. I will not believe it. Stay with me. Please.

No. No. She means the king. The king is all those things. I am not. I am the monster.

You. Will. Stay.Her eyes burn. Glint with fresh tears.

Crying for me or because of her pain?

I can feel the king’s turmoil. His self-loathing mixes with mine.

His love for her.

Ourlove for her.

Mine.

For a moment, I can’t tell where I end, where he begins.

For a moment, we are one.

We consider her words. Maybe she’s right. Maybe—

“BEGONE!” Lucas rumbles.

Then the magic floods us.

Drowning.

Washing me out.

Bright, searing wave.

Burning.

Pulling.

Crushing.

Pain—

Chapter fifty-four

Nahla

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