“What exactly are you saying, Leya?” he reiterated.
God, he wanted the words from her, too? “You can’t ignore a decree from your elyon.”
“I see.” Cold, so cold. “You want me to mate your sister, to make love to her like I did with you, and claim her?” His tone grew icier. “It’s how we form our mating bonds. Since she has our world’s magic, it just might click, considering it was yours to begin with.”
At the thought of him with her sister—
Her heart constricted, a huge fist squeezing it, pain bleeding into every facet of her being. Christ, she didn’t want this. But all she could say was, “It’s…it’s your decision.”
“Indeed. If I mate her, we will come for visits since she’s already stipulated it’s what she wants. You will see us together.” Ice dripped in every syllable. “Will that work for you?”
Why was he doing this? “Like I said, it’s your decision—”
“It’s not a fucking answer!” he snarled, and she shuddered at his fury breaking free. He stalked closer and slammed his palms on either side of the counter, trapping her against it.
She shrank back.
“Is that whatyouwant, Leya? Look me in the eyes and say it.”
She had to force out the words. “Your brother is right. Lust fades, then there’s nothing left.”
Hurt flashed across his beautiful face, reflecting in his dulled silver eyes and shredding her heart. She recalled the times they sparked with amusement at what she said or burned with desire even when she fought him, because the chemistry between them was off-the-charts, always drawing them back together. But the abyss between them was too immense. Nothing could ever bridge it, make it accessible again. Not for them.
“Then say it. Say the godsdamn words!” His blazing stare nailed hers.
“I don’t want to hurt you, but…”
“Butwhat? Leave you the hell alone? You don’t want me any longer? Then say the fucking words!”
She shuddered. He was so angry.
Tell him it’s all a lie!
Then what? Along with Cidéra and every other thing that stood in their way, the one that terrified her the most was his banishment, him living an eternity in torment. They’d already done so with one brother.
And in her heart, she knew Aerén would never reject her, so she had to do it for him.
God, give me the strength for this.
She swept back her hair with icy fingers. Swallowed hard. “Aerén, I enjoyed the time we spent together. It was fun, but I-I…” she stumbled over her lie. “I cannot give you what you want.”
“Fun?” The anguish sliding over his features punctured her heart like daggers. She could barely breathe at being the reason for his torment.
He lowered his head and shut his eyes briefly.
Then he looked up, his expression smoothing over to one of a stranger. “My pardon, I didn’t realize I was just another of those males you kissed and discarded once done. When Hana’s ready to leave, Thiorr will be by to take her to Empyrea.” He strode for the door.
She pressed a hand to her heaving stomach, tears dripping down her face. “Aerén—”
“I guess you’ll have your wish then,” he cut her off as he opened the door, not looking back. “After all, everything you do, allyoursacrifices are for thoseyoulove, right?”Not me,the unsaid words hung heavy in the air. He shook his head and walked out, the door shutting quietly behind him.
A deep, agonized moan spilled free, and she sank to the kitchen floor, wrapping her arms around her knees.I’m so sorry, my love.
Even if he did leave Empyrea for her, she would be dead in a few decades, and he would be alone and tortured. Forever. She didn’t want that life for him. Being who he was, he needed those damn mountains in Empyrea to Ground. And as a mere mortal,shewasn’t good enough, wasn’t allowed in that world.
In time, Hana would make him happy.
At the thought, layers of her heart peeled free and exploded into millions of pieces.
