“I love you intentionally and purposefully. And if I wasn’t meant to be yours, I would have found a way to break the threads of fate and rewrite them so that I was the only one you could ever choose. Your storm pulled me in and captivated me from the first glimpse, and I do not want to be saved from it. There cannot be me without you.”
“But you did that, didn’t you? You broke fate and pieced it back together so that I was yours.” She stared at me so intently. "You knew we were mated with others and you chose me instead."
“Yes,” I confessed. “I messed with fate long before I knew that I could break the curse. But if I am honest with you, Della, I would give it all up. I would live an eternity in Hell, where I could only have small moments with you instead of using you to free me.”
Storm watched me closely.
“I am falling from the grace of the heavens, Haden. I have committed treason to have you. I have sins that cannot be erased.”
“Then tell me of your sins, and I will love you anyway. And take my hand, and I will jump with you out of the grace of the heavens. I do not care what the scenery looks like, as long as you do not leave me.”
She reached out and touched my face softly as if she was trying to remember everything about me. Something about this felt wrong. Why was she looking at me like she would never see me again?
"You know that you are not the cause of me falling from grace, right?" she whispered.
"Tell me who is and I will save you," I said softly.
She looked over me closely like she hadn't seen me in a long time—or like she was saying goodbye.
"Please don't leave me. I promise I would have never gone through with using you."
She nodded gently and her fingers pushed my hair from my forehead.
“I know you remember our first life,” she confessed.
“Only when I am void.” I felt the tears falling from my eyes and saw Della watch as the black tears fell from my eyes.
“Knowing everything that has happened, would you still have messed with fate to have me?” she asked. “Do you still think I am worthy of you?”
“I would have changed it sooner so that I could experience your love for longer. If one of us is not worthy, it is me.” I looked at her when she frowned. “I am a God of Hell, Della. I am under no delusion that I deserve you, but that is why I was not born heavenly. Because I do not care. I am selfish and greedy when it comes to you.
“Even if you would have wanted a real bond with Holden, I would have found a way to take it from him. You are mine. I’m the man who will make you happy. I’m the one who will get your smiles and your laughter. I was willing to destroy a realm for you… I have saved a realm from my wrath because it means something to you. And whatever is important to you is precious to me. I love you with every piece of my tainted soul.”
“Aren’t you going to ask how I know all of this?” She tilted her head.
“No, I knew you’d figure it out eventually.” I frowned. “I’m assuming Avesh and Brim.”
She nodded.
“I am still all in,” I whispered.
“Me too.” She leaned forward and kissed me. “Will you go away with me for a few days?”
I gave her a look. “Della, I will follow wherever you go.”
“Well, then pack a bag, and I will be back very soon.”
I gripped her arm and stared into her eyes. Something still felt off about this, but maybe that was my own guilt. I was ready to beg and plead for her forgiveness, but she didn’t make me.
“You are coming back, right?”
“Yes.” She smiled. “I promise. I just need to go get my things.”
I leaned down and kissed her. She disappeared a moment later, and I watched where she had been standing. Why was she not pissed off or upset? Of course I was happy she wasn’t, but she should be. Della should not forgive me so easily. Maybe it was because she knew the void side of me didn’t say that terrible thing to her.
But my gut told me it was something else. Damn it, what is she hiding from me, and why did she think I wouldn’t notice? I ran my hand through my hair and sighed heavily.
“Well, I thought you’d be happier that your whore forgave you.” I turned to find Mateo standing behind me.
