“Yes,” he spat. “His mate, my precious Maria, was not enough for him. He hurt my wife again and again with his twisted love.”
“And that made you angry.” My eyes held his. “Did you kill him?”
Jeremiah’s chest shuddered as he sighed. “Maria asked me to.”
I rubbed my lips together, since that didn’t answer my question. “How did you meet Maria?”
“She liked to play cards late at night at my old gambling hall. We talked for a year before I asked her if she would like to wear my coat one night.” Blood soaked spit flew from his mouth as he chuckled. “Maria knew what I was and loved me. She accepted my coat.”
“Hm.” I pulled the sleeve of my sweater down in the silence and wiped the blood off his lips. “Did you know that if you killed her mate she would be in horrible pain?”
“I did.” His voice wobbled slightly. “I didn’t want to hurt her.”
“I understand.” I swallowed hard and asked, “Who killed him then?”
Jeremiah’s face scrunched in pain. “She did.” His body started to tremble and tears soaked his cheeks once more. “I tried to stop her, but she wouldn’t listen.”
I inhaled heavily and asked bluntly, “Where are his remains?”
“I hid them so no one would think less of her.” His eyes lifted to the ceiling. He stared there for long moments, lost in his memories. “Do you know that she killed herself afterward? The pain was too much.”
“I am sorry,” I stated honestly and took his hand to hold, curling my fingers around his. “That must have been hard for you.”
Barely above a whisper, he said, “You have no idea. I would not wish that kind of pain on my worst enemy.”
I sighed and squeezed his hand tight. “Jeremiah, where did you hide the body?”
“Beneath the kraken.” His gaze flitted to mine, and a sad smile ghosted his lips. “It is due south of here.” The Fae chuckled softly and more blood coated his mouth. “The artifact is there, too. That is what you are truly looking for, correct?”
I quirked up one side of my mouth. “How did you know?”
“Fae talk.” His steadfast gaze didn’t leave mine. “And you are almost believable, little elf. But I know what true love looks like when it stares me in the eye.” His brows lifted marginally. “Are you going to kill me now? Or will you give us a chance at happiness?”
I swallowed again on my dry throat and squeezed his hand harder. “I can’t.”
“Ah.” His attention returned to the ceiling. The Fae was quiet for a long moment. “That is curious. The anger makes sense now.”
I sighed and released his hand. “I am truly sorry. But there is no stopping this.” I glanced up at my father, not to my soul mate who was going to kill this Fae who had touched me no matter what. I inhaled heavily and gave the order, “Kill him.”
King Traevon didn’t waver.
He removed his wickedly curved blade and set it afire.
The Fae was beheaded instantly.
