“There are many things you can do. The power of death doesn’t only apply to the dead.”
“I can—save people?” My chest feels like it might cave under the heavy weight pressing into me. Where was this when my father was killed? My mother? My brothers? Why didn’t I save Katherine or Juliette?
“Don’t ask yourself those questions,” Mara warns.
My mouth is dry. I hate that she knows what I’m thinking.
“You weren’t ready,” she says. “Stop fighting it.”
I glance down at the enforcer. His breathing is steady, his chest rising and falling effortlessly. Tears blur my vision. I almost lost him. “Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me. Do what you need to do. What you promised me you’d do. This empire must fall. I gave you this power for a reason and you are wasting it,” she scolds.
“I know. I’m sorry.”
“No apologies. The end is coming soon. Be ready.”
“How will I know when it’s time?” My gut twists. I don’t even bother asking for her to give me a name.
“You’ll know.”
“Just tell me, then. I’ve been researching for weeks. Why can’t you just say it?” I’m practically screaming at her.
For a brief moment, I swear I see sorrow in her expression, then it shifts and she’s smiling. “My reasons are my own, daughter. But it matters little to me if you find the answers. If you fail, I’ll find someone else.”
“You’re lying. You chose me for a reason,” I say.
“Yes, I did. Do try to live up to the expectations I’ve set on you, will you? I’d hate to discover I made another mistake.” A cloud of shadows swallows her, then fades almost as quickly as it arrived.
Another mistake? There was someone before me.
“Taylan? Is that you?” Brevan’s fingers brush against my cheek.
I grab his hand. “Yes, it’s me. I’m here.”
“Gods, I thought I lost you.” He slides his hand around the back of my head and pulls me down to him. Our lips collide and I taste salt. Tears stream down my cheeks and I pull away, despite my thundering heart and desperation to continue.
“I love you.” I don’t tear my gaze from his or wipe the tears away. “I’m married to another man, but he’s not you. And I’m tired of trying to fight my feelings for you.”
He cups my face with one of his large hands. It’s warm and rough and I lean into it like a cat begging for attention. “I tried so fucking hard to fight this between us, but I can’t do it anymore. I don’t want to stay away from you. It’s killing me.”
“Then don’t,” I tell him. “We’ll figure something out.”
He wipes my tears with his thumb, then kisses each cheek where the tears had been. The gentle feel of his lips against my skin sends a delicious shiver through me. “I want to be the man you deserve.”
“You already are,” I assure him. “Except for one thing.”
His brow furrows. “Don’t ever ask me to bind my magic.”
He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. “You think I’d really want you to do that? After seeing what it’s done to me? I was trying to make you hate me. I’ve tried so hard. Clearly, every attempt I’ve made has failed.”
His thumb brushes over my lips. “I want you to be the most powerful woman in the world. And with that magic of yours, you very well could be.”
“It doesn’t scare you?” I ask.
“Of course not.” His mouth turns down. “There’s more to my magic. And my sister…”
“I know about your sister,” I admit. “I’m sorry. Is there anything I can do to help?”
