How could I ever think that of myself? Because Iwasa murderer. I killed whales for a living.
But not people.I wanted to protect Malia, but I couldn’t justkillthese kids.
She changed me.Perhaps my old self, as scary as it now made me, would’ve seriously considered ending them right here. I was cruel. I was unmerciful.
But, because of Malia, I became a different man.
“Get out.” My voice was low, almost a growl, and they nodded, running away and leaving their trap behind.
When I was left alone in the woods, I rubbed my hand over my face.
Sereth ordered their deaths?Why? Was it because they became more powerful than she?
And then another question arose…Whoexactlyambushed us? They bore the Corallure flags, but the king said it was not theirs.
If Sereth wanted to get rid of the twins because they’d become more powerful than her, was there a possibility she wanted to get rid of me for the same reason?
I picked up the flowers, eager to return to Malia.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
MALIA
When Alaric returned from the woods with a beautiful bouquet of orange lilies, I thought I’d melt. It was thesweetestthing anyone had ever done for me. I was so happy, I threw my arms around his neck and hugged him.
And then he just held me.
Our hearts beat against one another, and he buried his face in my neck, inhaling like he didn’t want to forget this.
“I need to know the truth, Malia,” he said, voice low but urgent. “The poisoned apple. Did you make it?”
My throat tightened. This wasn’t what I expected him to ask or say at such a moment. The weight of that secret pressed heavier than ever. “Yes,” I whispered. “That’s why I’m running. Because of what I did… and what I was.”
His gaze softened, but there was something desperate in it. “Who are you really? Don’t hide it from me.”
I swallowed hard. “I have… connections to Sereth. To the queen. But I’m not who I once was.”
He touched my cheek, then rested his hand on my hip. “Then make it right. Come back with me to Moanalei Kingdom. I’ll protect you. I swear it.”
A breath escaped me. And just a tiny thread of courage wove through me again.
“You would?”
He nodded. “You can’t hide from this forever, Malia. Let’s face the past together. I paid my time for nearly killing Sereth.” He’d never told me this before. “I served the crown for a few years, and when I earned my freedom I held onto it like my life depended on it. And you can too.”
I pressed my head against his chest, grabbing his shirt and sighing. “I’m terrified, Alaric. She won’t give me time… she’ll just kill me. You don’t understand.”
“Then help me.”
He smelled so good, like the sea and fresh sandalwood.
I remained silent for a long moment. Then… “I need time,” I said quietly. “To think. To figure out who I am without all of it weighing me down.”
Alaric stroked my cheek. “What about tonight?” he asked. “My men need me, and the Crimson Wake will be ready to sail home soon.”
Then he paused. “My men did say Sereth is headed here, but maybe we can meet her halfway.”
Just the thought of seeing her beautiful snow white face again caused me to shudder.
