“I didn’t realize,” he said in a strained voice. “Didn’t realize what I’d become… until I met you.”
I could only gape at him, stunned by his confession.
“There is a division in this court that only you can heal, Eira. I believe that now. I spent so long ignoring the problems, looking out only for myself, that I never saw just how broken this court really is.”
Tears burned in my eyes, and I wet my lips, my throat suddenly dry. “Why are you saying all this?”
He took both my hands in his, his callouses gently scraping against my fingers. I felt a shiver of pleasure from the lightness of his touch, the warmth of his skin against mine.
“I’m sorry,” he murmured. “I’m sorry for my abhorrent behavior. And I’m sorry I dismissed your claim about Calista. I didn’t believe you before. But I do now.”
My heart leapt. “You believe she’s a Demon Fae?”
He nodded, his mouth quirking into a devastating half smile that made my stomach flip. “Frisk was right. I was so caught up in the notion that fae were superior that I didn’t see what was right in front of me.” He sighed, ducking his head. “You’re right; her magic is disturbing. Monstrous, even. I’ve thought it myself dozens of times. But if sheisa Demon Fae, then whatever magic she’s using to fuel her glamour must be powerful. She’s been fooling the entire court for years.”
“Which is why youcan’tturn yourself in to her.” I releasedhis hands only so I could bring mine to his face, framing his cheeks with my fingers. The tickle of his beard against my palms was intoxicating, and I brought his face closer to mine. “Youcan’t, Theron.”
Sorrow burned in his gaze. “I’m doomed anyway, Eira. As soon as I return to the castle and report that I failed my mission, I’m dead. I’m only delaying the inevitable.”
I shook my head, refusing to believe it. “Theron?—”
“The only reason she needs me is because she wants access to my magic. I don’t know why she never tried to use my blood to activate my necromancy. But now that I’ve awakened it on my own, I?—”
“She can’t,” I blurted.
He froze. “What?”
“She can’t use a person’s blood to wield their magic. She can only use it to control their body.”
He blinked, his brows knitting together. “I don’t understand.”
“I told you before, I often spied on her. Her magic is limited. She doesn’t have unfettered access to another fae’s magical abilities. I know because she was desperate to use Lord Kensington’s storm magic, but she never could, even when she had access to his blood.”
Theron’s gaze turned distant, his eyes growing wide. “I remember him. She was frustrated he wouldn’t do as she asked.”
“Right. Because she was commanding him to summon a storm, and he wouldn’t do it. His magic wasn’t hers to command.” I clutched his face more firmly in my hands. “Shecan’tforce you to use your magic, Theron. No matter what she does to you, you can’t forget that.”
He pressed his lips together, his gaze contemplative. “When she finds out I’ve activated my necromancy…” He broke off, his eyes closing in anguish. “Eira. Ihaveto do this.”
Panic twisted in my chest as I processed his words. “Theron, please.”
“Once we get back to the palace, I’m no longer bound to our bargain. She can force me to hurt you. But I can’t—I can’t bear to put you in harm’s way. I can’t…” He broke off, his head dropping in misery.
He was so consumed with sorrow that I couldn’t handle it. Without thinking, I brought his face to mine and kissed him hard.
I didn’t care that Stella and Denton were in the next room.
I didn’t care that we had a mission and were running out of time.
All I knew was Theron was in pain, and I had to do something about it.
His lips were smooth, the beard on his chin tickling my face.
I’d intended for the kiss to be brief, something to snap him out of his despair. But a deep, startled noise escaped him, the sound vibrating through me, and before I knew what I was doing, my hands were gripping the fabric of his shirt, dragging him closer. He angled his head to deepen the kiss, his tongue sweeping along my lip, and then I came undone. He tasted far more alluring than he smelled, and I wanted to feast onallof him. To memorize the sensation and carry it with me. My lips parted further for him, my tongue meeting his, and he groaned into my mouth.
That sound made my insides quiver with need.
His hands slid to my waist, drawing me to him until mybody was aligned with his. My arms wound around his neck, my fingers threading through his wavy hair. Fire burned in my veins, scorching through every inch of me. Every spot where he touched me ignited until my entire body felt like it had molten lava coursing through it.
