Page 106 of Sworn to Revenge
“Why are you staring at me like that?” I whisper to Pedro, feeling the tension coil tight in my chest, hoping to keep this conversation just between us.
“Sorry,” Pedro says, his voice low and honest. “My head’s spinning. I just need to know if you’ve found a solution.” He places his hand on my thigh, his touch a solid anchor keeping me grounded, reminding me that no matter what happens, he’s here. I lean my head against his shoulder, silently thanking him. I feel Myko’s presence stronger than ever, pulsing steadily in my chest, urging me forward. There’s no turning back now. The future I’m finally ready to claim, the people I refuse to lose, and the promises I made…it all comes down to this.
I take a deep breath and raise my chin close to his ear. “I want to try the heart of Morlay.”
Pedro turns to me frantically. “You want to trywhat?” His voice comes out louder than expected, and now all three men in front of us are staring in our direction.
I sigh heavily, repeating it so Luca and Mariano can hear too. “I want to try waking them both with the heart of Morlay.”
“I know that anyone who consumes it could gain Morlay’s powers. It’s a wild idea, but it might be enough to bring her back…” I explain, watching as they look at me, clearly baffled.
“What is she talking about?” Francesco finally speaks up, concern etched into his eyes.
“Long story,” Luca mutters, shooting him a ‘now’s not the time’ look before turning back to me.
“What would happen to her? Is she going to turn into some full-blown sea witch? Or end up with different powers?” he asks, each question laced with unease. And I can’t blame him—itisa crazy idea.
Myko’s voice breaks through, sounding worried for the first time.She’ll be banished like you, my huntress. She’ll become Black Blooded.
“Do you have a better option?” I say aloud in frustration. “I’m Black Blooded, too, and I’mperfectly fine.”
“Who is she talking to?” Francesco asks Mariano, who responds casually, “Her pet dragon.”
I don’t have a better option,Myko counters,but she’ll need an anchor, a pure one. Like you and me. Without one, she risks losing herself completely.
I gasp, feeling the weight of Myko’s words. It’s something I hadn’t fully understood before now. Tears sting at the corners of my eyes. “She could become… dangerous,” I admit, releasing the breath I’d been holding. Luca’s fist slams down on the coffee table in frustration.
“But it would keep her alive. She’d be Black Blooded like me,” I add softly. I know this isn’t a decision I can make alone; Luca knows what Alin would have wanted, too.
“So you’re telling me it’s either keeping her in this state indefinitely or risking her turning into something dark and unpredictable?” He growls, but I know his anger isn’t directed at me. I nod, unable to add anything else.
Then a thought strikes me. “Unless…” I murmur, the idea crystallizing.
Now that could work!Myko’s excitement is infectious, and my own confidence surges.
“Unless?” Luca’s impatience is palpable as he stands, his eyes narrowing with intensity. Pedro’s hand tightens around mine, urging me to explain.
“Trust me. This can work,” I promise, not giving them more details yet. My connection with Myko is complex, something only I fully understand, and I’ll need their trust.
I rush up the stairs, the others close behind. When I enter Luca’s room,I see Cora lying beside Alin’s body, showing her photos and funny videos, her face red from crying. She keeps talking to Alin, as if nothing’s wrong, as if everything’s fine.
This is the family’s love I always dreamed of…I think, letting myself feel the ache of it all.
This isn’t a dream, my huntress. It’s yours,Myko’s voice grounds me.
His words spur me on as I reach Alin’s closet and find her hidden drawer. The men stand silently at the entrance, watching my every move.
Pedro appears behind me. “Need a hand?” he says, and I’m managing a small smile, it’s all I can do not to pull him close and bury myself in his arms. I really don’t deserve his love and trust.
You’re the only one who deserves it!Myko’s low growl echoes in my mind, and I chuckle softly.
Yes, Dad, I tease inwardly before turning back to Pedro. I find the golden box I’d been searching for and stand, holding it out.
“Myko told me a Black Blooded needs something Alin has,” I whisper to Pedro, close enough that only he can hear. “But Florencia doesn’t. I thought I could fix this all with one heart, but now I’m not sure…”
He takes a steadying breath. “If you can bring Alin back, start with her,” he says confidently. “After she’s awake, we’ll let them decide if they’re ready to take the risk.”
His calm conviction fills me with gratitude. I mouth a silentthank youand step toward Alin’s body. “Are we doing this?” I ask, looking at Luca. Henods, silent and resolute. I can only pray I’m right.
