Has my place there been reduced to ash?
Was I even in her heart to begin with?
Focus, Maddox. Your broken heart does not matter. You may mourn once everyone is safe.
These men are innocent. They have no business here at the bottom of this canyon. “You must release them.”
The Chieftain shakes her head. “You have heard our troubles, and yet you continue to side with the Seelie?”
Their troubles, though regrettable, are their own to solve. “I side with what is right. Holding these innocents against their will is not.”
“We will let them go on one condition: You must remain in Riverglade.”
I will not stay in this unknown place with these females who do not hold my heart. To ask such a thing of me is madness. “I will not agree to this.”
“Then we will keep you all here . . .” Her lips curve. “But rid ourselves of the Seelie female. We do not need another womb.”
They will hurt Nia?
What other choice do I have? I am only one male. Does it really matter if I must remain here? Nia has many friends and family in Rosehill. And now she has the Nolan.
She does not need me.
“If I agree, you bringallthe Seelie safely back to Rosehill?”
“This I promise you.”
Her promise means nothing, but this predicament leaves us with very few options.
One life in exchange for six.
A fair trade.
With my stomach in knots, I go to Nia and take her slim shoulders in my hands. “You and I must speak.” This makes the Nolan scowl, but I do not pay him any attention.
Nia shoots worried glances at the Unseelie watching us, their friendliness a distant memory as we walk a short distance away to where no one can overhear our conversation. “The Chieftain is letting all the Seelie go. She will have an escort return you to Rosehill.”
Nia will be safe. This is all that matters.
Her brow furrows as she steps closer, her hands finding mine.
If only I could hold on forever.
“The way you said that makes it sound like you aren’t coming with us.”
I can no longer find my smile. “I am afraid I must remain here.”
“Remain for what? I’m not leaving without you. You can’t make me.”
Her protest restores some of my broken heart. Perhaps she is not taken with the Nolan after all. “It will be all right. You have a family to return to.”
“You’re the only family I want.”
I have waited thirty years for someone to say those words to me.
For someone to choose me.
If only the love I feel could be enough to save us both.
