“Horseman Death will come back soon. We were managing things just fine beforeshecame along and destroyed our peace.”
I was so close to pleading that it was borderline pathetic. But my will to beg and demand answers goes colder the more he talks about how I’m ruining his life. Anxowantsme to leave. This isn’t about the dangers that follow me or the weight he has to carry so I don’t fall behind as my mate.He wants me gone.
“What has gotten into you? This is heartless, Anxo!” Grace is furious. I’ve never seen her like this. She looks like she might punch someone.
She shouldn’t want me to stay, anyway. What happened yesterday will keep happening if I don’t leave. Nothing Anxo said is false. Every attack this kingdom has faced in the past six months has been because of me.
“You take it back, or I swear to Fates, I won’t hesitate—” Seiji is on Anxo before anyone can stop him.
“Stop it!” Silence greets my request, and I take another step back, taking August’s hand in mine and squeezing softly.
I have to leave.
“Horseman Conquer is right. This isn’t your fight…never was.” I glance at Hazel, sitting with her head low, glaring at the floor.
I look into Anxo’s eyes, those emerald eyes that never failed to fill me with love and warmth, offer nothing today. Eyes drowning in emptiness are starting to pull me along the longer I try to find my Angel in them.
I can’t take the hatred and disgust in his eyes. My heart won’t be able to survive more of his hateful words if I keep standing here. I don’t dare look at anyone anymore, especially Anxo.
This isn’t the time to break apart. I have a responsibility to find August a safe home.A different, safe home.
Using the restraints I learned the hard way, I erase every emotion off my face. Even though I hate it, I have to hide myself.
Papa isn’t here, my mate doesn’t want me, along with my best friend and half of myfamily. I don’t have a reason to stay, not when my presence is causing them such despair.
Turning to August, I offer him a weak smile and assure him everything will be fine. I’ll be damned if I let him bear the weight of my hurt. My baby gives me a dull version of his bright smile and grips my hand tightly.
Keeping my eyes vacant, I address the room. “We are grateful for the shelter and protection, and I apologize for any pain I inflicted. You won’t have to worry about seeing us again,” I keep my voice firm and sigh internally when it doesn’t crack like my heart does with every word.
I won’t beg Anxo to let me stay when he doesn’t want me here. There’s no point in prying for information. I respect myself enough not to stay and constantly face his hate.I won’t beg for the love he has clearly forgotten.
My heart is beating in my head, and the constant throbbing is starting to blur everything. If this is the last time I see him, I need to ask if it was all fake. Did I imagine it all? Was it all in my head and never in my reach?
“Good. Maybe after you leave, I will finally have some peace. Don’t even think about lurking around the portals because my warriors know to kill you at sight.”
With those words, the last of my hope breaks. This confirms my decision to not waste my breath on begging him.
Soft murmuring and sneers finally make it to my ears, and one look around has my heart falling to my feet. Not only is my mate throwing me out like trash, but he has also made me the primary source of entertainment for his people.
And here I thought he loved me.
Burning with the embarrassment of my situation, I don’t focus on Seiji screaming and begging Anxo to change his decision—even threatening—but they all are brushed aside. Conquer’s ex- Warriorhead claims that Anxo is showing me mercy by letting me leave unharmed, after all the trouble I’ve caused.
I gulp the tightness in my throat when Anxo stands with his lips pursed as his warriors and elders berate me. He is acting like I’m his biggest inconvenience, not his mate. Not someone he said he would love until his last breath and made promises of forever, too.Not his sweetheart.
Quickly composing myself, I wipe the corner of my eyes. The sleeve ofhishoodie brushes my cheek, and I curse myself for wearing it today. I want nothing more than to rip it off me, but it will have to wait until I’m out of his place for good.
I turn to leave, but Seiji wraps me in his arms from behind. I don’t turn, refusing to fall prey to my tears and making an even bigger mockery of myself in front of an audience.
“I don’t care if he’s Conquer. I’ll beat the shit out of him if he doesn’t come to his senses,” Seiji whispers, his voice thick with emotion.
Taking a deep breath, I level myself before turning in his arms. “I need to leave Seiji,” I keep my voice low so no one except the two surrounding me will hear. “The coven is after me…us,” I glance at August, standing next to the door waiting for me. “Everything is my fault—”
Seiji cuts me off, “It’s not your fault. Anxo is being a jackass.”
“He’s protecting his people, and I need to protect mine.”
I know Anxo’s primary motive is to protect his people; it has always been, and even when I agree with him, I will never forgive him for hurting me and making a fool out of me in front of everyone.
