I lifted my gaze to Talon, who was leaning against the balcony railing. I smiled. “Most humans—even paranormals wouldn’t believe it. But I must admit, there are parts of this realm that scare even the most ferocious of demons.”
“It’s that bad?” Lucas asked, worry filling his voice.
I nodded slowly. “It’s part of the reason my lands were so coveted. I’m surprised a lord like Juls hasn’t taken them.”
“Since you brought him up,” Talon said, turning to focus on me. “Who is Juls? Why did he attack you?”
I didn’t reply right away. Releasing Lucas, I moved to the railing and leaned heavily. The weight of the past echoed in my mind. For their part, Talon and Lucas said nothing. They waited patiently as I worked out my words.
“I had told you I was betrayed,” I began with a sigh. Talon and Lucas gave a single nod. “Juls was the one who betrayed me. I…. I cared for him.”
“Did you love him?” Lucas asked, and although he didn’t speak, I could tell Talon was equally interested.
“No. It wasn’t love. It was more lust and respect. But love, I’ve never really loved anyone. Demons don’t really do that,” I replied.
“Never?” Talon asked.
I shook my head. “I don’t even know what love is,” I admitted honestly.
Talon and Lucas shared a look. And I knew I hurt them, but I wanted to be honest. Did I love them? I didn’t know. Could I? Again, that was an unknown. I knew I wanted to. I knew I cared for them on top of desiring them.
“Why did he attack you?” Talon asked, avoiding the pandora’s box I had put before them.
“I don’t know. I mean, it’s been forever since—Holy shit. He knew. He knew I’d get my powers back. Fuck me. He fucking knew it,” I said. The realization of Juls’ recent appearance and the reason behind it hit me like a freight train.
“Um. What? How did he know?”
“What’s going on?” Talon and Lucas asked in unison.
I grabbed their hands. “It’s the prophecy. That’s why,” I said excitedly.
“Prophesy?” They said together.
“When he betrayed me, the crone had cast a spell stripping of my powers.”
“Crone?” Talon interrupted, but I continued. “During the process, the crone was shocked as words of prophesy came from her mouth. It basically said that the triad union of my duša would restore my strength. I didn’t realize it at the time. Hell, all I could focus on was losing my powers. But Juls fucking knew. He knew I met you. That’s why he attacked now. He didn’t want me restored.”
“And you think he knew?” Lucas asked.
I nodded again. “He was there and he heard the words of the Crone. He had to have known—the bastard.”
“Get back to the Crone—she’s real?” Talon questioned.
“Yes. But she doesn’t look how many in the mortal realm would picture her. She’s actually quite stunning.”
“And she was the one that stripped your powers,” Lucas confirmed.
“Yes,” I simply replied.
My mind was reeling from the revelations. This was insane. Why would the crone give an out? But that isn’t really what happened. Memories of that day flooded my thoughts. She was shocked. She didn’t mean to say the words. That just made me have more questions. Who could interfere with the Crone?
“So, what happens now? I mean, you got your power back, and we’re bonded. What are you going to do?”
Lucas’s soft question pulled me from my thoughts. “Whatever you guys want,” I answered honestly.
Talon raised his brow. “Anything we want?”
I released a sigh. “For many years, I plotted my revenge. I wanted my revenge and not just against Juls, but the emperor. He could’ve intervened long ago, but didn’t. They feared my rising power and strength.”
