Page 81 of Sworn to Revenge
“I didn’t say anything,” Pedro looks at me, annoyed.
“That wasn’t at you, it was the Guardian,” I clarify quickly, throwing him an apologetic look and laughing nervously.
“The Guardian? So now, because of the bond, you can communicate with him even while you’re conscious?” he asks, surprised.
I nod. “Not only can I talk to him while I’m awake, but he’s inside me now.”
“He’s what?!” Pedro’s roar is so loud by the city gates that all the guards look in our direction.
“Bay,” Alin’s voice calls from behind us, saving me from explaining. I let go of Pedro’s arm and turn to look at her as she swims quickly toward us.
“I’m sorry. You know I didn’t mean it that way,” she says, her apologetic gaze meeting mine as she stops in front of me, taking my hands in hers.
“I don’t blame you, Alin. I know the consequences of what I did. I’m just glad I managed to keep you all alive,” I force a smile, but it doesn’t reach my eyes. I know she has to worry about the royal lineage now, and I—I’m no longer part of that lineage. I’m nothing more than a sea monster they need to fear every second they’re around. The Guardian made that clear—there’s no force in the ocean that can stop us now.
I’m not sure if that thought comforts or terrifies me, but at least I know I’ll stay alive, for now. And I can stay with Pedro—I have a family that fights for me.
Alin’s gaze falls to the ocean floor, and she lets out a heavy sigh. “I’msorry, Bay. I really am. I just don’t know how to help anymore…” her voice trembles.
“It’s okay. You don’t need to help her anymore. She has me,” Pedro pushes between us, breaking Alin’s hold on me. “You’ve done enough.”
His words hit Alin like a direct blow to the chest, and her turquoise gemstone-like eyes lock onto Pedro’s furious face.
“This might be one of the only times you’ll hear me admit this,” she sighs again in defeat, “but you are the best thing that’s ever happened to my cousin. Don’t let her down. I’m leaving her in your hands.” The smile she gives him barely hides the pain from the truth Pedro just threw in her face.
“I don’t need your validation for that,” he snaps, clearly ignoring her emotions. “You coming with us, or staying behind to kill a few more family members? Maybe make it an annual event,” he scoffs, grabbing my arm and pulling me forward without waiting for her answer.
“I’m coming with you!” she calls out, not even bothering to fight back. For the first time, I’m surprised by her restraint. She never lets anyone speak to her with that kind of disrespect.
Yeah, I approve him.Is that a smile?
Great, so we’re besties now?I roll my eyes, only to feel Pedro’s gaze fixed on the side of my face.
“Now can you explain what the hell you meant by him beinginsideyou?” His impatience and anger make it impossible for me to dodge the question.
I sigh. “He’s inside me, Pedro. He’s not physically connected to the Coral of Life anymore. He’s a part of me now.”
Pedro looks away, muttering curses under his breath. “What the hell does that even mean for you? For us?”he asks again.
“I don’t have all the answers yet. The stupid dra—” I begin, but a sharp curse escapes my lips as the familiar burn returns to my chest for a moment. “Alright! Alright! Sorry!” I quickly apologize to the Guardian in frustration, turning back to Pedro, who’s now looking at me like I’ve completely lost my mind—maybe I have.
I force a smile at him. “So, like I was saying, theGuardian dragon,” I emphasize the correction to appease the temperamental creature living inside me, “said I’m now the first Black-Blooded Princess in history—we’re an unstoppable force. His fate is now tied to mine.”
As I finish, Pedro’s expression shifts from anger to fear.“I’m not going to let him take you away from me!” he declares suddenly, the fear in his eyes contrasting with the intensity of his words.
My heart aches to his protectiveness toward me, and I lean in to kiss his cheek quickly. “I know you won’t, and I won’t let him either. But if it helps, I don’t think that’s his plan.” I add when I see the kiss hasn’t quite calmed the storm in his mind.
He sighs heavily. “At least we’re out of immediate death danger. We can finally relax.”
I nod with a real smile this time. My family will be alright, and I’ll figure out what comes next—even if I have to force it out of the dragon.
I’d love to see you try,his chuckle echoes in my mind.
“Watch me,” I snap back at him.
“Yeah, I’m definitely worried about your sanity,” Alin comments from behind us, letting out a nervous laugh.
She’s been so cautious and quiet—I think we’re overdue for a serious talk to lay everything out on the table. I don’t blame her for being cautious, though. This was my choice, my idea. After all,I’mthe one who approached the Guardian about Black Blooded,Icame to him.
