“It’s an intense weight to carry,” Silas says.
“I know the feeling.”
“Do you also know the feeling of constantly trying to keep you safe?”
I don’t respond.
“I nearly fucking break every single day, worried about your life.”
“Stop worrying so much, then,” I say.
“I can’t,” he says. “And I’ll never stop keeping you safe. I won’t rest until I know this is over—all of it—and I know for a fact that it’s only us. Just me and you.”
He closes the distance between us, cupping my face once more with intensity.
“Tell me you are okay,” he rasps. “Please, look me in the eyes and tell me the truth.”
I hesitate and stare into his eyes.
“I deserve the truth,” he whispers.
“I’m not okay.”
He nods. “Let me help.”
“I don’t know how you can.”
“I’m tethered to you, Briar,” he says. “Let me carry some of this load with you. Lean on me—use me—and when you are feeling weak, take my strength. Take fucking all of it, because I’ll give it to you willingly.”
A tear falls down my cheek.
“I’ll give you anything,” Silas whispers.
“What do you need?” I ask. “This isn’t a one-way street. I can help you, too, Silas.”
He doesn’t respond at first. Instead, he looks at me—truly looks at me—and my breath hitches.
“To be honest,” Silas says. “I need you right now, or I’ll fucking fall apart.”
I’m taken aback when he crashes his lips against mine. Lost in the moment, the realization hits me, and I understand whySilas is stunned—speechless, and overwhelmed. It’s not only death that lingers around us. It’s about what just changed. Changed with him, our future, and Andorwood.
He pulls away and gently traces my profile with his finger.
I stare into his intense green eyes.
Silas, my Silas. I watch as shadows begin to swirl around him, as if a new surge of power has entered his veins. His shadows seem darker, like something just snapped into place.
Andorwood is going to change from here on out. Everything we’ve feared has just opened up for us: a new beginning, a new future, and a new power in charge.
“My love,” he whispers, his forehead pressed to mine. “My queen.”
“King,” I reply. “You are the king, Silas. King of Andorwood.”
Chapter 28
The cliff surrounding Silas’s house is silent, with the exception of the crashing waves below. We land, hand in hand, facing the flickering lanterns on the shadowy porch. Silas takes a moment to catch his breath and admire his house before us. I’ll never get over the quaint, deceptive façade of this house, and I make a mental note to burn this image in my mind. I’ll never tire of its small beauty. The front door opens, and Warrick steps out of the shadows. Even in the darkness of night, his light hair shines, and an unmistakable Lumor aura floats around him.
His tall figure looms larger as he approaches, and his footsteps are almost silent in the late-night air. His expression is typically stern, but it softens when he sees Silas, because he knows. He knows that he now looks upon someone different. His friend, his commander, his new king.
