Page 140 of His Darkest Desire

By silver and starlight, he knew her pain all too well. He knew her helplessness, her despair. He knew how it felt to have something so tauntingly close and yet entirely out of reach.

His tumultuous thoughts had ensured sleep would keep far, far away from him. He’d tried to silence them, but he would’ve fared better trying to quiet a raging thunderstorm. He’d tried to direct them, to seize control, to focus, but they’d only spun faster, as difficult to grasp as the leaves that had been swirling through the air as he and Kinsley danced in the forest.

And no matter what path those thoughts followed, they always led to the same conclusion. An understanding that poured dread, cold and thick and heavy, into his gut.

An understanding that constricted his chest and strained his breath, refusing to be ignored. It was impossible to deny.

Vex knew what he had to do.

Whether he could do it was a different matter.

Tenderly, reverently, he traced Kinsley’s features with his fingertips. The air he inhaled was perfumed by her familiar, enticing scent. By sight, by feel, by sound, smell, and taste, he’d learn every bit of her. He’d commit it all to undying memory.

A shimmer of blue at the edge of his vision coaxed him to lift his head, albeit reluctantly.

Shade had entered the bedchamber. They floated over to Vex, their ghostfire moving with haunting, mournful ripples.

At Vex’s questioning glance, the wisp shook their head. Vex’s heart sank.

Moving close, Shade whispered into his ear. “Their search took them beyond the boundaries of this realm, magus. These ones were depleted by following. Only one female heard our calls. When the other humans said they had not, she dismissed it as weariness. This one apologizes.”

Though it felt like his ribs were collapsing, making every word a struggle, Vex replied in a soft, even tone. “You need not apologize, my friend. I would have you three safe. You have my thanks for trying.”

The wisp bowed their head. “For Kinsley and the magus, there is naught these ones would not try.”

Vex smiled. The expression bore warmth but no joy. “Rest. I shall call, should we require aught.”

After a lingering look at Kinsley, Shade took their leave.

Vex lowered his head, returning his attention to his mate. She’d not stirred during his brief exchange with the wisp, hadn’t so much as made a sound.

He wished he could say her slumber was peaceful, but he knew she was troubled in mind and soul.

And still you know what you must do.

Shifting his wing to uncover Kinsley’s arm, Vex gently grasped her wrist. Beneath the slow stroke of his thumb, the binding sigil flared to life, a ring of ivy and thorns glowing green on her pale flesh. The shackle binding her to this place.

He absently rubbed the mark, watching its magic wax and wane in response to his touch.

Everything Kinsley hoped to do, see, and experience tumbled through his mind, all the dreams she’d shared in the hours they’d spent talking. He’d lost his past to this curse. She’d lost her future.

Something stung his eyes. It took him a moment to realize it was gathering tears. Drawing in a slow, shaky breath, he willed away the sensation. He would not have this night marred by his tears.

After all these centuries, he’d finally tasted happiness. He’d finally found joy and the courage to throw himself into it with the whole of his heart. He’d found her—and he’d had her all to himself.

There’d be an eternity to rage against all that being torn away from him. He’d have forever to mourn these moments of bliss he’d claimed amidst the millennia of anguish.

For now, for tonight, those moments remained his. She remained his. And he would revel in her. He would delight in her. He would ensure they’d be emblazoned upon one another’s souls for all time, no matter what happened.

And then he would choose her happiness over his own, just as he always would when given the choice.

Vex slowly slid his hand up her arm, letting his fingertips explore every inch of her silken flesh until they reached her shoulder. Gently, he guided her onto her back.

Kinsley’s brow furrowed, but she didn’t open her eyes as she flattened her palm on his chest. “Vex?”

He took her hand, brought it to his mouth, and kissed each knuckle before turning it and pressing his lips to her palm. “I am here, my Kinsley.”

She smiled. It was such a soft, subtle expression, but it filled him with warmth.

---