“You don’t plan on keeping me in here.”
“How do you know that?”
His head tilts back against the wall. “Because you want me too much. And you need me in ways you don’t even know yet.”
“Don’t flatter yourself.”
“That isn’t what I meant. You need me in a practical sense,” he corrects. “We were paired together for a reason. Because believe it or not, you and I are evenly matched. There is no one else on this earth whose power could rival your own. That could come close to being able to shield you from what’s coming. You may think me a tyrant. And that’s fine. I don’t need you to like me, I just need you to hear me when I say that all I have done, I have done for you.”
“You’ll forgive me for having a little trouble taking your word for it.”
I study this male, this horrifying monster wrapped in exquisite packaging. I study the soulless, heartless creature that wears the most perfect skin I’ve ever laid eyes on. The beast who claims he’s changed by true love.
Another fairy tale I can’t marry with reality.
I hate him with all my heart, and yet somewhere within that loathing exists a strange and infinitesimal kernel of love.
My enemy. And my mate.
“If you don’t believe me, then just end me now.”
“I should.”
I stand, unlocking the cell door. He stares up at me from the ground as I draw my dagger, tapping the point against my lips. With every step I take toward him, my locket hums with energy, heating against my chest. Kylian watches me, making no move to escape. I angle the dagger to his breast.
“Do it,” he whispers. His fingers wrap around my wrist, driving the tip of the blade into his smooth chest. A drop of scarlet squeezes out.
“Do it and see that there is a heart there, despite what you believe. Do it and see that even devils bleed. Carve it out and mount it on your wall, because it is already yours.”
Blood leaks out around the knife as he breathes harder, locking my hand in place, his eyes scalding mine.
My palm opens, and the dagger clatters to the ground.
And without a second thought, I kiss him.
* Cue:Million Dollar Manby Lana Del Rey
103
SERENA
An aneurism.
That’s what I’m choosing to blame that stupid kiss on. I wish I could take it back, if only to avoid swelling his already massive ego.
I swallow down the nerves bubbling up in my belly as I stride down the torchlit corridor. My locket warms with each step I take, the same way it did yesterday, proving my theory. I key open Kylian’s cell and step inside.
“Drink.”
His eyes drift open. I extend the waterskin to him and watch as he unscrews the cap and chugs it down within seconds. Every last drop. Without explanation, I crouch down, shoving my hand into his pocket.
“Well, hello to you too.”
“I’m not here for you.”
“Then is there something I can help you with?”
“The other half of the star.” I look up at him. He doesn’t answer. “There’s no point in denying it. I know you have it on you.”
