but at the hands of the mightiest weapon of them all: love.’”
Tapping my chin, I frown. “If that’s the correct prophecy, then what did the Mad Witch tell me?”
Oslo smiles as if I’ve uncovered a deep, dark secret. “There aretwo parts, niece. The Mad Witch was never blessed with the first passage, lost to time and ancient languages. The second verse goes:
‘The darkness of the world will awaken, fog vanishing in the night,
And magic shall flourish once again.
For she who is born of life and death, will wield them both
And prevail in the end.’”
“Respectfully, Oslo, none of this makes sense.” I scan the grounds once more, convinced someone is always listening. The royal siblings have clearly worn off on me. “I can’t control my magic. I have no idea what a child of life or death means. And what is this about love being the greatest weapon? It could be another person.”
“I’m afraid, niece, all of it revolves around you and the heir.” Taking both of my hands into his calloused ones, he stares into my eyes, pleading with me to understand. “I believe you alone can end the curse that plagues our line, starting with Kaden.”
My heart pangs, rattling my ribs as my brow sweats. “I don’t understand?—”
“Do you love my nephew, Max? Truly love him?”
The question catches me off guard. Do I love him? In the forest, alone, surrounded by monsters, it was easy to fall for the mask he showed me. That Fae was patient and kind. But that wasn’t truly him.
Kaden is harsh, possessive, and haunted. He sacrifices himself for others and yet would condemn everyone for his own goals.
Could I love that male?
Rolling my shoulders, I refuse to answer. Because inside my soul, I know I already do.
And what does that say about me, loving a male who did such despicable things so easily?
Oslo smiles softly, the years of his life showing on his face. “If you don’t already, you will one day. And you must understand, Max, Kaden was not raise with love and hope, but pain and fear.He shows love differently than someone else who was raised in a different environment. Whereas one might send flowers, Kaden would soon rather slay your enemy. That is how he shows his affection.”
Don’t I know it.My mind flashes to the dead lord on my doorstep in Griffin’s court—who dared to try to touch me without my consent.
“He doesn’t know that his curse can be broken, does he?” If he did, would he mention it?
The possibility that he could be more than the monster in the night thrills me. He could thrive, be more than what the world demands of him. He could just be a prince. My mate.
Like he gave to me. I’m not just the monster children are afraid of—I’m a future queen.
Oslo stands, dusting off his uniform. “My dear, it has always been a curse the royal family dealt with. Until recently, those inflicted were forced into the Eternal Night Forest as a sort of prison. Kaden and myself are the only ones to control the beast. I never wanted to get his hopes up, in case my old mind is wrong.”
He pulls me to my feet and red sand covers my body like crystalized jewels. “So, you’ve only told me. Why?”
“I wanted you to have a choice in this. If you try to break the curse, I cannot promise other dangers will not come. If you choose to keep the curse intact, I cannot promise you will be safe. There are too many factors. But you’ve had your choice taken away too much. I thought it was time for you to decide something, for once.”
I have the choice—the power to end Kaden’s curse. That’s if everything he said is right. The weight of responsibility is heavy on my shoulders.
“If I don’t decide to help, will you tell Zelos about my magic?” My voice shakes and I curl my fingers to hide the forming blush. I still can’t hear any blood, but it’s there, stretching for more.
“I am no friend to Zelos, my dear. I would never give the keeper of my nephew’s heart to my enemy.” His amber eyes look over myshoulder, smirking. “But I see you are due for another training with my other favorite niece. I shall leave you to it.”
Before I can ask more questions, the general turns away, Fee calling for me across the yard.
Mind whirling, I look back, as she waves to me to the entrance, one of the Hadeon’s head glaring at her. When I get closer, I hear her curse the monster. “Mangey mutt.”
She glares at me, temper short. “Move it. We don’t have much time.”
