I turned my gaze back to the still water and felt the warmth of his body as he sat on the bench with me.
“You had to fall for him,” he said, his voice full of regret. I didn’t say anything, and he took that as my okay to continue.
“You’re the only chance we have. It was a gamble, but I know love. I know the love you have for him is enough to be made into legend. It will be if you have faith in it, Esme.”
I shook my head. This wasn’t the love of legends I’d wished for. This was a tragedy of legends. Destined to love the villain and either lose him or lose humanity.
“The others didn’t tell you because I told them not to. You are one of our family, and they care for you. They’ve tried to protect you, but your heart couldn’t be guarded. You’re the only one who can change him. Forgive them, Esme. Hate me, but forgive them.” He sounded so heartbroken that I couldn’t help but look at him.
His cheeks were pink from the cold nipping at them, but there were distinct tear stains down his face.
“I don’t hate you.” I sighed and then scooted closer to wrap my arms around him. He hugged me tightly, and we stayed embraced in each other’s warmth for a few minutes.
“What do I do now?” I wished I had his power of sight. Then I would know my path and could follow it without doubting my every move.
“Live hard and love strong, Esme, and always have faith in that love.”
I didn’t say anything after that. My mind and heart were trying to accept his words as we watched the sun rise over the calm sea, which had started to ripple from a gentle wind.
Was my love for Dorian enough to change his heart? I didn’t think so, but I decided to listen to Phillip and choose faith. It was either faith or be destroyed.
My fate had been decided the moment I gave myself to Dorian. I knew it then, and I knew it even more so now. My only chance was staying the course and having faith it was all going to work out the way it was meant to happen.
