“Stop!” someone shouted.
I barely heard it. Kept punching.
“Aras, you have to stop,” the voice said. “Only love will reach the King now. Show him love, not violence!”
Whoever it was, they distracted my opponent. Aras glanced to the left, and I took the opportunity to punch him in the face again.
Aras shook his head and locked stares with me. “I love you, Ly.”
What did that mean? I didn't know anymore. Love? It was an emotion. A foolish one. Yes, that's what it was. Foolishness. For fools and failures. I snarled and clutched the stone tighter. Blood seeped from between my fingers. It shivered over the stone, magic vibrating through my skin. The Eye. What was I doing wasting my time fighting this man when I could simply incinerate him?
“Kiss him!” someone cried.
Aras shot forward, grabbed my face with both hands, and kissed me.
I fought his hold, clawing at Aras's arms as I shook my head. But he held tight and followed my every movement, keeping our lips together even when I snarled at him. Blood poured down his arms. I smelled it. My mate's blood.
My mate!
I shuddered as our bond bloomed within the flames that possessed me. Like an alien flower, it withstood the heat, its petals becoming shields. Then the magic recognized itself. These opposing forces had been born of the same goddess. Like siblings, they fought, but blood was blood. Or, rather, magic was magic. They saw the source within each other and paused. There would have been an impasse if not for Aras.
My mate barreled down our bond without knowing it existed. A natural, he sought me through the madness and pain. He clawed his way through the lies the Eye spouted and found my soul waiting for him. His strength gave me what I needed to fight her. His kiss woke me from my nightmare. His love latched onto mine and they became one. At last!
I saw the truth then. Saw the future the Eye wanted. It would grant me my win, but it wouldn't be enough. That kind of power is never satisfied with a single victory. And once I used it in battle, Ensarena's Eye would have its hooks in me. Not just the consciousness, but also the Eye itself. The magic. It would form an instant addiction in me. I would crave that burn. The sound of screams. The blood. The Sea King was right—if I used the Eye, even once, I would end up burning all of Serai.
But there was something more precious than power, more alluring than victory, and more uplifting than any magic. I held it in my arms. I had fought it because of the Eye, and that made me furious. My fury gave me even more resilience, and I finally shoved that wicked consciousness out of my mind forever.
With a groan, I let go of Ensarena's Eye and embraced Aras with both arms. The stone clattered to the floor, and Aras kicked it away. His hands clutched at me and his love poured through me. How could I have floundered with this to bolster me? My love for Aras was great, but it felt minuscule compared to what he bore me. Regret ate at me. The Eye had tricked me. Nearly drove me mad. But the worst was what it made me do to Aras. My mate. My incredible mate.
Never again.
With that vow set inside my mind and heart, I drew out of our kiss and met my mate's stare. “Aras, I'm so sorry, my love.” Then I saw the blood on his arms. “Oh, Gods. Did I do that? Fuck. Aras, I'm—”
“Look at me.” Aras grabbed my face again. “It's nothing. You're a fucking hero, Ly. You saved Zixin for me. You risked yourself because I asked you to.”
I stared at my mate. “I risked the entire world for you, Aras. Not just me. If the Eye had taken control of me, I would have burned Serai until it was mine. And it nearly did take me. But you were stronger than the magic.”
“Not stronger. Just more determined. I wasn't going to stop until I had you back.”
“That is strength, Aras. You conquered the Eye for me.” I smirked, joy overwhelming me. “You truly love me. And for your love, I would do it all again. Anything you want, you will have. Even if your whims destroy the whole fucking planet. I will get you the moon if you desire it.”
I meant it. Every word.
Aras chuckled. “I don't want the moon, Ly. I want something much harder to get—you.”
I stared at him, so fucking grateful. He wanted me? Just me? My idiotic, amazing mate. It was about time he learned the truth.
“You have me until that unwanted moon falls from the sky.” I took Aras's hand and headed for an exit. But then I remembered my guests and what I needed from them. I wouldn't announce it today. They deserved some time to bask in their love before that. But I would call upon the Sea King soon. I paused at the side door and looked back at them. “Don't think I've forgotten that you owe me, King Vaxarion. One day, I'll collect.”
King Vaxarion nodded, and I grinned at him before leaving the room, my King's Guard following.
Chapter Thirty-Three
As I walked with my mate to our suite, I saw him more clearly. His heart. His bravery. Aras had put himself between me and danger. What further proof of love and loyalty could I possibly require? Not that I needed it. His emotions were right there for me to feel. Now that the Eye and its influence were gone, I could finally sense them fully. I could connect with my mate without the buzzing in my head. The peace and bliss of it was ecstasy, but nothing compared to knowing that Aras was mine—knowing it with absolute certainty.
I had hurt my mate over and over to reassure myself and placate Ensarena's Eye. What a fool I was. What a monster. But that was over now. I nodded at my knights as they took their positions to either side of the door to the royal apartments and then escorted my mate inside.
It was time. At last. I took my mate to the couch before the fireplace. Aras lifted a brow, doubtless expecting us to head to the bed.
