“Your situation was worse than mine.”
“It’s not a competition.”
“I just want to make sure you’re alright.”
“What answer are you looking for? The truth or the one that makes it easier for you to sleep?” Kai’s ocean eyes finally snap to mine, void of all humor. “Areyoualright? Doyouget through the nights without waking?”
I blink. “I…manage.”
He barks a cold laugh. “We both know that isn’t true. I can’t give you the answer you want. And if I asked, you’d be unable to do the same. So if you’re wondering why I haven’t brought it up since we escaped, there it is.”
I nod, swallowing. He’s right. He’s not okay. Neither of us is.
“This is the last thing I’ll say about it. I know my brother, Serena.” Kai twirls me, never missing a beat as I finish the rotation and fall back into step with him. “When he thinks something belongs to him, there is nothing he won’t do to keep it that way. He’s not the sharing type.”
“I’m aware.”
“Do not underestimate him. I know you think you’re invincible, but you’re not. Nobody is.”
I sigh. “Kai, please, not you too.”
“I’ll be the first to admit that Jace and Zadyn are a bit too worrisome for my taste, but in this case, they have a point,” he says, hoisting me into the air.
“This is my mess. I need to be the one to fix it.”
His voice is soft when he speaks. “You may be the savior, but you don’t corner the market on sacrifice.”
“Kai, when the time comes, I plan to kill him. I know he’s done unspeakable things…and I also know that he’s your brother.”
“Are you asking my permission or my forgiveness?”
“Both, I guess.”
His gaze locks with mine. “My loyalty is to you. Do what you must.”
I nod.
“May I cut in?”?*
Jace is suddenly beside us, the fae lights glinting off his golden eyes and the silver crown nestled into his dark hair. I lose all train of thought. I barely even notice Kai transferring my hand to Jace’s and backing away.
Hissturdy arm slides around my waist, pulling me against him with aching gentleness. I shudder. “I’m not really sure this is a good look.”
“What’s not?”
“You and me dancing.” I swallow, forcing myself to stare past his shoulder. “At your rehearsal party.”
“How else was I supposed to get you alone?”
“We’re alone all the time. We’re alone too much.” He quirks a dark brow, spinning me beneath my own arm. “What do you want? You have until the end of this song.”
“Nothing in particular. I guess I just wanted to do this because?—”
“Because what?”
“It’s the only chance I’ll ever get.”
Jace becomes the current, pushing me out and pulling me in. Crashing into me with relentless force. Each spin is a claim.
