“I need to find out who tried to kill those soldiers. I need proof. Maybe then General Caden will believe me.”
“I believe you.” She took his hand.
Vor, his mind raging, suddenly went calm. He looked down at Lena's tiny hand in his and had the most horrible urge to run away with her. It would be so much easier to just leave. They could find a place to hide on the surface. Be together. Forget the war.
And condemn the Nethren to an eternity underground.
Vor sighed and bent his head as he clutched Lena's hand. “Maybe I should release you.”
Lena went still.
He looked up to find her expression shivering, going back and forth between relief and fear. “Lena?”
“No,” she whispered. “Not yet. No, I . . .”
“Lena.” Vor dropped to his knees before her and took her hand. “You don't have to explain it to me.”
“What?”
“What I feel. I know now. I want you to be happy. I want it more than I want my people to be free. I want you safe.” He lifted his hand to cup her cheek and wipe away the fresh tears that she wept. “I can't keep you here any longer. You need to be with your family.”
“Vor, no.”
“You tried, Lena. Despite what I've done to you, you tried to help my people. And you did. You changed us. You spoke for us when they wouldn't listen to me. You urged them to speak. Remember that when we're apart. You are brave and kind. And you changed me.” Vor placed her hand over his heart. “I'maligned with you. Stronger because of you. I feel more than I ever have. It hurts, but I wouldn't give it up for anything.” He lowered his hand. “Except you. For you, I would sacrifice everything. I understand now. I know what this feeling is. I love you, Lena.”
With a wounded cry, Lena fell forward, taking them both to the ground. Her lips found his, and their kiss was the most momentous and wondrous occurrence in Vor's life. Salty with her pain, but beautiful with the love he finally owned. This was his. And so was Lena.
Vor protected what was his.
He rolled Lena onto her back and eased out of their amazing, life-changing kiss. Hand on her cheek, Vor memorized her beautiful face. How could he release her now? How could he send her away? The rest of his life loomed over him like a beast, foul breath heating his neck with the threat of pain unlike any he'd ever experienced.
“Lena, I can't put you in danger. I'm going to release—”
She stopped his words with a hand over his lips. “Vor, shut the fuck up.”
Chapter Thirty-Five
Lena
Lena smiled as Vor's stunning eyes went wide. She knew what she said next would shock him even more.
“I love you. I'm not going anywhere.”
Breath breaking, Vor swayed. “You . . .”
“I love you.”
“Lena, no. You can't. You don't deserve this.”
“Deserve what?” She cupped his face.
“I can only give you war and blood. A home far beneath the surface. You will wither there.”
Lena sat up, her eyes narrowing. “You told me your home is beautiful.”
“It is. But it's also far away from the Source of Magic. I can't watch you become one of us.”
“Your people are not what they were.”
