Page 59 of Halfblood Deceived

“Of what?” Kamilla interrupted. “Guilty of wanting to create a home for your family? Of not knowing the gargoyles were planning a full invasion? Of the brutality of a group of psychopathic monsters? As someone who’s been in your position many times, Zeydan, I need you to hear that you are not to blame for what the gargoyles do.”

“I should have protected those who counted on me even against their will,” Zeydan ground out. “I should have put my pride aside and called you two sooner.”

Kerian arched a brow. “You aren’t a prideful arse, if memory serves. There must be another reason why you hesitated to involve us. Not to mention, we might have fallen into an ambush along with you. It’s not as if we are invincible like most people believe.”

“Either way,” Kamilla cut in. “This conversation can wait until you and your family are all settled and back in good health. The important thing is that you will live to fight another day.”

“She’s right,” Andreas said, his expression reflecting equal measures of concern and relief.

Lex and Evan—who had been unsurprisingly giving a dreamy look at Sebastian—nodded their agreement.

Zeydan let out a long exhale and dipped his chin. There was no point in arguing with them. “You are right, Kamilla. As usual,” he added with a rueful smile.

“Don’t flatter her too much,” Kerian whined. “She’s cocky enough as she is.”

Kamilla shot him a dark look that promised vengeance. “You don’t get to call me cocky, you insufferable arse.”

Kerian nodded. “Especially not with Sebastian around.”

“I heard that,” Sebastian said without stopping the flow of healing magic that he poured into the vicious gashes on Evan’s side.

And really, Evan should stop looking at Sebastian as if he were a chocolate cake.

Zeydan flicked a curious glance at Aylana.

The striking fey had indeed noticed Evan was ogling her mate and looked wholly amused. She shrugged at Zeydan, as she distractedly petted Aella’s hair. “I’ve grown used to it.”

Zeydan half smiled at Aylana, feeling his eyelids grow heavier due to the blood loss and sheer exhaustion. He rubbed his thumb over Aella’s knuckles, watching his cousins bicker as they helped his family. His brothers in everything but blood finally let out tired, relieved deep breaths.

They were alive and would heal. That was all that mattered.

For now.

II

PART TWO

What she believed

Has fallen apart

All that she was

Has turned into ash

What is there left?

She is bereft

Part of her begs

Please save yourself

Part of her whispers

There is nothing left

CHAPTER 15

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