Page 91 of The Star's Sword

Zadis looked to Sam and then at me, and nodded. “It’s time, angel. If you don’t tell her, I will.”

Sam shook his head and looked at me. “Cleo, I can’t.”

I walked forward and put my arms around him, feeling numb, but knowing that whatever this was, I didn’t want my love facing it alone anymore.

I stroked his hair as he fell in against me, holding onto me like I was all he had in the world.

“I wanted to tell you, I promise,” he gasped. “But how? When?” His hands tightened on me almost painfully, and then he raised his head, looking down into my eyes with gold-ringed irises. “I swear I never meant to hurt you, letting you get close to me.”

“It could never hurt me,” I murmured, holding him back tightly. “Sam, whatever is bothering you, let me in so I can help.”

But he was silent, still holding me like a life-line. A quiet, giant sentinel of pain.

Then he straightened, pushing away from me, and his wings extended. “I can’t do this. I’m sorry.”

“Sam,” I said, fists tightening as I stepped forward. “Stop. Don’t you dare run. You’ve never been one to run, don’t start right now.”

He turned slowly, eyes in agony as he faced me. “But I can’t bear to see the pain in your eyes, when you find out.”

“Find out what?” I asked, yelling now. “What? I’m your mate, so fucking tell me what’s wrong! Why you’re pushing me towards Zadis, why you’re acting like all of this could end every day?”

“Tell her,” Samael said, turning away slightly and lowering his head. “Tell her, fae. Because I can’t bring myself to.”

Zadis stepped forward, trying to gently put his arms around me. “Cleo, come here. This will be difficult.”

I shoved him away. “Stop. You’re all hiding something from me. Just spit it out and then we can all deal with it.” I shook my head. “You really think some good sex will distract me from something like that?”

“It’s not like that,” Samael said. “Damn it, Cleo. I just want you to be safe and happy, when I’m gone.” As if realizing he’d said something wrong, he looked away suddenly. “Damn it. How did this all go so wrong?”

It felt like all the blood had drained out of my body.

Like there was no point going on living.

Like the color was fading from the world.

“Gone?” I asked. “Why will you be gone?”

“Careful, Cleo,” Zadis said, taking a steadying step toward me. “You look ready to pass out.”

My life with Sam was flashing before me, all the hopes and dreams of our future together, as mates, that gave me the strength to get up every day and train.

All the work I was doing for a new world, so I could share it with him.

My nails were biting into my palms, I was so scared. “Someone please just explain it. Why will he be gone?” My soul was already screaming, and my heart just needed confirmation to join in. I didn’t know how I would stand it.

Zadis opened his mouth, closed it, looked at Samael, who nodded, and seemed to firm his resolve. “Cleo, no one knows this for sure and Samael never meant to hurt you.”

“I get it,” I ground out. “Now someone just tell me before I pass out.”

“You have to remove all ninth realm celestial matter, when you ascend to the ninth realm,” Zadis blurted out, stepping forward, as if ready to catch me.

I blinked at that, staring at nothing, blood rushing through the back of my head, fear locking up my body.

Followed by despair.

“Allninth realm matter,” Zadis said. “According to the prophecy.”

“So everyone knew?” I asked. “Everyone but me?”

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