Page 267 of Cursed Evermore
“When… when would we go?” I was afraid to ask.
“I’ll leave that part up to you. We can go a few days before or on your last day. I just think we need to go before the curse kicks in. You said it knocks you out. It would be best for you to wake from it with your family around you.”
“I suppose so.”
“I’d place you in a deep sleep, so you wouldn’t have to feel the pain. Then I’ll take you back to your family.”
I couldn’t imagine it. Going to sleep and knowing that was the last time I’d see him before this version of me forgot. “I want to go on the last day. As close as possible to the moon rising, so I can spend the time with you.”
His brows furrowed. “That’s cutting it close, Ziyka. Are you sure?”
“Yes. I’m sure. I don’t want to use that time doing anything else when I could have spent it with you.” I held his gaze and touched his cheek.
“Alright. That’s what we’ll do.” Pain flickered across his features. "I'd hoped we could have everything sorted by now, but..." He shrugged. "If we're going to find that ring, I have to do what's best for you at all times, regardless of what it costs me."
I sighed, the weight of our fates pressing on my shoulders. "I pray the spell works. I truly do."
"Me too, Ziyka."
"I just want to get on with my life. But there's just so much to worry about."
"There is. But let's take it one step at a time."
I nodded. "One step at a time."
He leaned in to kiss me slowly, mellowing my mind with the softness of his lips.
"Are you tired, mage?" His voice held that familiar warmth, turning what had become our ritual into something that felt like a caress.
"No. I'm not."
"Good. Because as lady of the dragons, you should know they love singing at this hour. And they prefer an audience."
"They do?" Hope bloomed inside my chest. I hadn't seen the dragons in over a week, had been waiting eagerly for him to allow me near them again. Or to fly Hedion.
"They do. So, I think you should come with me today."
I gasped and threw my arms around him. "Thank you! I would love that."
"Then let's get dressed and go."
Chapter 53
Wolfe
“The Breath Between.”
The stone corridor stretched endlessly before me.
Shadows danced in the torchlight, blending with my own as I made my way to my room. My mage was supposed to be there waiting for me.
Through the tall windows, the night was deep and quiet, with the kind of stillness that made thoughts too loud, memories too vivid, and sleep impossible.
I was grateful the day had begun better than it ended.
The time I'd spent with Elariya in the quiet hours of the morning had been more precious to me than any crown. I'd bared my soul to her, claimed her as my queen, and spared her father's life, all in the span of a single conversation. Each decision had reshaped my entire world.
Speaking about her father was a blade to my tongue. But opening my soul to Elariya and declaring her my queen was one of the most difficult things I'd ever done in my life.
