“Do we have a problem here?” I hear gravel crunching under boots beside me.
I know that voice.Koen.He walks over, striding with ease and a dagger in hand.
A few of the men take a step back, their eyes widen if they have seen a ghost.
“No, Koen, we don’t.” The auburn-bearded man clears his throat. “We were just leaving.”
They turn to walk away, but one turns and takes his finger to move across his neck, warning me thatI’m dead.
“Stay hidden, quit bringing attention to yourself,” Koen snarls, letting his eyes fall to the ground before trying to walk away. I grab his arm, yanking him to stay.
He pauses mid-step, letting a frustrated sigh escape his lips. “No, Serene.”
“Yes, Koen.” I pull his arm, bringing him closer to me. “I can’t stay hidden because of this.” I grab at my hair, holding it up as my eyes burn.
“Or this.” I gesture at my breasts. “Don’t you see Koen, I am a woman. Not a man. Look around you, how do you expect me to not bring attention to myself? The Queen knew what she was doing. As you said.”
His jaw ticks, and he bites his lip where his scar is before giving a subtle shake of his head. “You’re right. No matter what, they will always come after you.”
“I know I’m right, and you pushing me away is not helping me.” I stand more upright. “As much as you want me away from you Koen, I think I need you by my side.”
“No.” He lifts a finger before rubbing his head intensely. “That isnota good idea.”
I stride forward, letting my voice raise. “And how is this not a good idea? Because of what happened this morning?” I lean in to him as he tries to avoid my eyes. “Look at me!” I growl.
He shuts his eyes and takes a deep breath before his weary eyes meet mine. “Yes, because of what happened this morning. It will happen again. This is why I need to go to the archives. I thought I had it under control… but I don’t.”
“So. What,” I hiss. “You either stay beside me and help me get through this so we can go to the archives together, or I die in here.”
His lips tighten, the veins in his neck bulging as he contemplates the words I say. “You have Kaine and Theon, they are good men.”
“But they are not you.” I reach for his arm, pausing before I touch him and let my hand fall. “They fear you. You scared five men just by walking up to them. Kaine and Theon have been helpful, but the men here do not fear them like they fear you.”
He deeply breathes. “I could have killed you this morning.”
“But you didn’t.”
“Serene, this is a bad idea.”
“I’d rather you slit my throat than to be killed by one of these men because of who I am. I’d rather my life be ripped from me from someone I…” I pause.
He cocks his head, taking a stride up to me with a curious look. “Someone you what?”
I clench my teeth, feeling his eyes bore into mine. “Someone I at least… know.”
“Ahhh—” He cockily grins. “Sure.”
“Please,” I pause, feeling my skin prickle by the rushing feeling of tears wanting to stream down my cheeks. “I beg you, Koen, don’t let these men dictate when I die.”
“Fine.” His chin tilts high. “But if I ever hold a dagger to your throat again,stab me.”
My eyes narrow with annoyance. “Stop being foolish.”
“I am being serious. No games, Serene. And if you are ever near me on the night where the Azure moon turns to blood…you run.”
“I don’t understand.” My lips part. “What are you hiding?”
“Something I have sworn to never speak about.” His eyes meet mine. “Florian doesn’t even know the darkness that I hide.”
