The words burned at the visceral reminder.
Gathering Sylaira in my arms, I guided us to the headboard, so my large body curled around hers. I gritted my teeth and tipped my head toward the ceiling now that she couldn’t see. Searched for answers among the canopy. Opened my heart to the Goddess to hear my prayer.
I’ve done my duty to my sister. To my realm. And I’m fucking trying to my mate. Why do you make it impossible, Radiant Mother?
Of course, she didn’t fucking answer me.
If you have any love for yourblessedyou’ll ensure I lose the trial by light. There is no other option.
“Are you feeling better now?” Sylaira asked, her melodic voice soothing and drawing me out of my inner spiral.
“With you in my arms like this, I am always a better male,” I murmured, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. Crushed ghostflower intoxicated me, and I welcomed the dizzying scent.
We remained like that, me wrapped around her, her relaxing into me, long after my heart ceased its staccato rhythm.
I didn’t want the peace to end. I didn’t want to face the battle beyond the walls of my room. But as I glanced at the clock, I realized I was out of time. The minutes I’d stolen with Sylaira had run out.
“The Korona expects you in the Divine Atrium today,” I told her as gently as I could.
She sucked in a sharp breath, fear lacing our bond. “I can’t.”
“You must.” I hated that she had to go. Hated that I would have to drag her there if it came down to it. “We can’t push her any further right now. Not with the trial tomorrow.”
A whimper lodged in her throat. My arms tightened around her. “I will do anything to protect you, little fugitive. Anything. My plan will work. We’ll be free of this soon enough.”
She tilted her head back, the twist she’d secured earlier a tangled mess. “Promise?”
“I promise.” I curved down and slanted my lips over hers one last time. “I will walk you there. Unfortunately, I must accompany another priestess into Sivy today. I’ll be home before dark though.”
She nodded, easing forward. Every muscle protested as I forced them to surrender their hold on her. I crawled out of bed after her, tracking her every movement as we dressed for the day.
No longer was I the predator and she my prey.
My watching these days was that of a male desperate to do anything to save his mate.
Three days until I could take Sylaira and leave this place. One day until the trial.
In the midst of war, I couldn’t afford to win.
56
The Sightkeepers straightened, hands flying to their hilts as we rounded the feather’s final corner and faced the rocky fountain. It seemed everyone was on edge today.
Vines wrapped around my ribs and squeezed. The last time I’d been here, Heraphia had burned out. That same desperation clung to the air, thicker than the spray off the waterfall.
When the males noted Vaeron’s calm presence—on the exterior at least—they relaxed.
I did not. Because today I’d be forced once again to sit in that damn crystal chair. Forced to pretend the Goddess gifted me a prophecy and hope it was accurate enough that the Korona wouldn’t suspect I was faking.
All while the fate of my mate would be decided the very next day.
“Bye,” I whispered to Vaeron as I slipped my hand out of his. The chain binding us together thrashed at the loss of contact.For once, I wanted to give into its demands and remain by his side.
His piercing blue eyes cradled mine as I backed away, unable to turn and let go. Each step closer to the Divine Atrium was torture. My body rebelled, every movement like wading through quicksand. More than anything, I did not want to go.
But I didn’t have a choice. Not with everything at stake for us.
Vaeron lingered as I stepped beyond the two males tasked with guarding the Seers.
