I leaned forward slightly, searching for the right words. “I began plotting, planning, trying to find a way to bring us all together. It felt like destiny, finding you again.” My gaze flicked to Roman. “I carried you from Balthazar’s lair when you were broken and bleeding. I time traveled you to Olivia’s place of origin when you were dying on the battlefield because I knew they had the kind of medicine that could save you.”
A heavy silence followed.
Roman’s brow furrowed deeply as if struggling to absorb it all. Olivia’s fingers twitched against her lap, her expression unreadable.
I leaned back, letting them sit with the truth. “I’m surprised you remember so much, Roman.”
His gaze snapped to mine, blazing with curiosity.
I nodded at Olivia. “And you… I think you push the truth from your mind. You fear it. But you no longer need to be afraid.”
I hesitated, then let my gaze drop to my lap. “You’ve seen glimpses, Olivia. I know about the nightmares. I know what they show you. And that night, when you asked me if we had met before…”
I swallowed hard. “I lied.”
Olivia stiffened.
“I told you no, but the truth? I was shocked. Your dreams—your memories—were trying to wake up. I wasn’t ready to tell you then. Not without Roman.”
I exhaled, settling my palms on the arms of my chair. “But I’m ready now. I will prove my intentions to you both. You will remember.”
I nodded encouragingly. “I want to make things right this time. I swear it.”
I brought my clenched fist to my chest, a vow forged from centuries of regret.
For a long moment, Olivia stared at me, her expression impossible to decipher.
“I’m stunned, Malik,” she finally whispered. “I don’t know what to say. My mind is in a muddle over everything you’ve told me. I… I need time.”
I inclined my head. “Of course. But you wanted the truth, Olivia, and now you have it.”
I held her gaze, letting my voice drop into something raw, something unshakable.
“I love you to the depths of my soul. Even though I will never have you, I swear to you—I will die before I let harm come to you.”
Then I turned to Roman.
“And you, Roman. You are my true brother. No matter what has passed, I will always stand by your side. To protect those we love.”
Roman let out a breath, his features tense. “I, too, am shocked, Malik.” His voice was careful, measured. “What happens now? Where do we go from here?”
A smile curved my lips.
“Now?” I leaned forward, intrigue flashing through my eyes.
“Now, we must find where you hid the Moon Dagger.”
Chapter 26
Olivia
Isat frozen in Malik’s front room, my mind reeling.
He had been raising a child I had birthed in another lifetime?
First, her caregiver was a demon of darkness. Second, I don’t remember giving birth to Rosie because it happened in another incarnation.
My breath hitched.
