“I’m sorry,” I say, again. And I’ll say it again and again, utter it like a prayer if that’s what she needs to forgive me. “By trying to stop you being harmed, I know I harmed you in other ways, and I’ll never forgive myself.”
More silence, but her eyes never leave mine. Then she groans, running a hand through that soft flame of hair.
“For fuck’s sake, Kane,” she mutters, shaking her head. But she said my name and that’s all I latch onto. Say it again,please.
“All that time, I thought you despised me, but you…” Her brows draw together. “You were trying to keep me safe?”
I don’t say another thing.
I don’t want to give myself more credit than I deserve. I was still cruel to her, driven by insecurities and concern for my family. Always.
And now, I’ll do the same for her.
I won’t allow anyone to intrude on her life in any way that causes harm. I will guard her for eternity—even if she doesn’t want me.
Even if she chooses to leave me behind.
And if she does… maybe she’ll still forgive the others—my worthy brothers.
“I’ll leave my unit.” I finally say it, but I can’t meet her eyes. I turn and stare at the sunrise. “I understand if you can’t consider us because of my treatment towards you. I’d never expect you to forgive me.”
Warmth skims over me, but I can’t look. I can’t see her eyes when she decides to accept my offer—to reject me.
“I’ve told them I’ll leave, if that’s your decision.”
She’s touching me. Again. “Wait, Kane, just… slow down.”
I close my eyes and force my darkness to retreat, letting myself float in the fire she creates without disturbing it. I glance down at her hand, her fingers curled over mine through the fabric of the pocket.
Why did I put my hand in this stupid pocket? I need this fabric—this barrier—gone.
My gaze drags over her hand, her wrist, her arm, claiming every inch—until the sunlight catches her, igniting her in gold against my shadow… and the rest of the world stops existing.
She’s a goddess and I am unholy.
A goddess who appears… displeased by my suggestion.
“Listen, if anyone was going to leave the unit, it would be Sai and Julien,” she says with a nervous twitch of her lips.
Sai and Julien.
My thoughts tumble into one. WhySai and Julien?
She turns to look out the window, watching the sun fully rise. But I stare at her, catching the edges of her face as I remain dumbfounded.
“For letting me…” she murmurs. “Because they never told me what we were when they…” She tucks invisible hair behind her ears, chews the inside of her cheek. “When we… well, you know.” Then she turns towards me, her skin flushed.
Why is her skin flushed?
“No.” My voice drops into the dark, and Jasmine recognises it. Her eyes darken into a smooth burgundy. “No. I don’t think I do know, Jasmine.”
“They…” She swallows, her eyes darting over my face. “They never told you?”
The room darkens, all shadows stretch outwards, engulfing all light. Even the sun.
“Told me what?” I press, jaw clenched.
Her mouth pops open. She stares at me, then glances around the room at the growing darkness, muttering a slow and low, “Oh, fuck.”
