Taunting me, she smirks, her voice low. “You can throw all the light you want, but you know you need me. A part of you even wants me, craves me.”
Her words land hard, and my whole body reacts. I could just give in, finally stop hiding. Let it all free and not give a fuck what happens. But I can’t. The only way to keep everyone safe is to tuck it down deep. Pretend like it’s not a part of me.
I step back a little, lowering my hand. The light at my palm sputters and dims. “You’re not wrong”.
My shadow blinks, caught off guard. I force myself to meet her eyes, my own eyes. “You’re the part that killed innocent demons, the part that nearly killed my mate. But that’s not all you are. You’re the one who brought down a ruler who carved his power into living flesh for centuries. The one who broke bodies and minds for pleasure. You did what no one else could do, and I’m not ashamed of that. Not anymore. I’m no longer afraid of what you are, of what I am. I choose who we are now.”
For the first time the grin slides off her face. The smoky wings shudder and fade away. She stares at me for a moment like she’s debating her next move. I bring my hands up again, ready to stand my ground, but she gives me a small, almost weary laugh. “About time you figured it out.”
The rest of her begins to unravel, smoke breaking apart until there’s nothing left but the faintest scent of embers. I step forward, placing my feet where she stood. I finally get it. I was never meant to fight myself, just accept who I am, every part of me.
Ahead, the figure with the lightning-streaked wings turns, disappearing further down the tunnel.
“Wait,” I cry, following after her.
The path narrows, then opens into a small chamber. A shallow pool lies at its center, a bluish glow coming from it. The air carries the scent of wet stone and something faintly electric. It feels like it’s about to storm. I kneel beside the water, watching as the ripples pulse.
I reach my hand out, but stop when the figure appears at the far edge of the pool. She looks like me, not a stranger, not an enemy, but steadier. Her shoulders are straight, chin lifted with confidence. Her translucent wings arc high, their veins streaked with bolts of white lightning.
I quickly pull my hand back, feeling like an intruder. “Why is it so hard to reach for you?” My voice cracks.
She suddenly appears beside me, even though I don’t see her move. Her hands lay over my stomach, her touch warm. “Because you were never meant to love only part of yourself.”
I freeze, realizing for the first time that’s exactly what I’ve been doing. I’ve been reaching for the parts I thought were worthy, turning away fromthe rest. How could I do that when my children are made from all of me. Light and dark. Joy and fury. Every single piece.
They’re not mistakes, not contradictions, and neither am I.
“Yes.” Her voice is soft, smile certain. “I was never waiting for you to become worthy. I was waiting for you to see that you already are.”
The glow around her thins as she dissolves, leaving behind an empty quiet. I lean forward, looking into the pool of water. The reflection that stares back at me is exhausted. Messy. Whole.
I hold her gaze.
“I’m worthy.”
CHAPTER 35
Zarreth
Water spills over the crystal ledge. Frankie doesn’t seem to notice the mist dampening her hair. She sits at the edge, her toes tracing patterns in the water. She’s quiet, but not the kind of quiet that means she’s shutting down.
It’sdifferent. Our bond isn’t heavy with grief. She’s not drowning in her thoughts. She’s just…quiet.
I don’t push her to talk. We just sit, listening to the steady rush of the falls, enjoying the cool spray on my arms.
It’s not long before her eyes are on me. I turn my head, meeting her gaze when her fingers brush mine.
“So, I think I kind of found myself.” Her laugh is small, but hopeful.
There’s a steadiness in her now. Like she’s finally seeing what I’ve seen all along. I pull her into me and plant a kiss on top of her head. “I’m so proud of you.”
“Well,” she says, leaning back on her palms. “I don’t know if I’d go that far. I still have no idea what to do about the portal.”
“You’ll figure it out, and I’ll be right here to help you.”
She smiles, slightly shaking her head. “Why are you always so sure of me?”
“Because of everything you’ve survived. Because you always do what’s right, not what’s easy. You don’t need to be certain of everything, little mate, not when you have instincts like yours.” The words hit me as I say them. I do trust her. Not because she’s destined or powerful, but because of who she is. I know I need to stop holding her back when I’m scared, but it’s so fucking hard.
