But it was a risk I had to take.
“Nocturne was hired to capture me,” I finally said. “One of the mercenaries, a guy named Stryder, said it’s because of my blood.”
“Your blood,” Onyx repeated in a flat tone. “Why?”
“I’m told it’s rare. Rare enough that the one who hired Nocturne is desperate to get their hands on me.” It wasn’t smart to reveal all my cards at once, so I kept the fact that it was King Silas to myself for the time being.
“And the mercenaries are who really attacked you the night of the ball?”
“Y-Yes. You were right about the spell being dark magic. One of them cast it.” I touched Lake’s back at the memory. He pressed closer to me in response. “They’re also the ones who framed me for poisoning the king.”
Again, not lying. Just omitting certain facts, like Prince Cedric being involved.
Onyx’s gaze burned into me. “I see. The pieces are falling more into place now. Your first night here, you mentioned someone tracking your life force. It must be how they found my hidden realm.”
“Sorry.” Guilt settled in my bones. He had welcomed me and Lake into his home, and I’d repaid his kindness by bringing trouble to his front door.
“They may be powerful, but they won’t be able to reach you here,” he said in a softer voice. “The barrier remains strong.”
“Good.” I breathed out, relieved they hadn’t gotten through. “No one was hurt last night, were they?”
“No. They tried breaching the barrier for several hours and then left. Some of my scouts followed them back to their hideout. A small cave near the sea. They overheard the mercenaries speak of resorting to other measures in order to reach you.”
“That doesn’t sound too reassuring.” I shifted in place and fiddled with my hands. “What other measures?”
He cocked his head, eyes narrowing. “Using your lovers as bait. To lure you out.”
The air left my lungs.
Lake caught me against his chest. I hadn’t even realized I’d been falling. But as those words settled over me, it felt like I’d been thrown out to sea with large boulders strapped to my limbs. Sinking lower and lower, muscles useless.
“I need to leave,” I said, panic rising.
“And do what exactly?” Onyx calmly asked. “The moment you step foot outside this realm, your life force will be detectable to the ones hunting you.”
“I don’t care. Let them find me.” The base of my throat squeezed. “I can’t stay here and do nothing. My men are only in this mess because of me.”
Lake shook his head. “I won’t allow it. The others wouldn’t want you to either.”
“No offense, but you can get over it,” I told him. “If I have to give myself up to keep all of you safe, I will.”
“You perplex me.” Onyx reached me in three strides. After glancing at Lake, as though asking for permission, he took hold of my chin and angled my face up. “So eager to disregard your own life in order to save theirs. You did it once before.”
I frowned. “I did?”
“In the dark wood,” he said with a sharp nod. “It’s the real reason why I called off the demons that day. I saw you jump in front of your knight, placing yourself between him and the adult Fenrir.”
“Anyone would do that for the one they love.”
“I disagree,” he said. “Self-sacrifice is rare. Only the purest and bravest of souls would act as you did. Without hesitation or fear for your own life.”
“My men are my life,” I rasped. “Which is why I can’t stay here. I won’t. They need me.”
“The mercenaries clearly know the depth of your love for them.” Onyx regarded me with a wrinkle in his brow. “And they fully intend to use it against you. Don’t be foolish.”
Lake softly whined. “Evan… Lord Onyx is right. You can’t leave.”
“Will you let them come here then?” My voice cracked. “It’s the only way I’ll stay here. Say no, and I’m running for that door.”
