Page 192 of A Reign of Chromes & Shadows

“I just couldn’t bear the thought of living without you, so I thought I’d take the most theatrical approach and have the entire realm take me out.”

Jay didn’t laugh.

“I’m serious,” he said sharply. “What are you thinking? I know you come from a line of mad kings, but I thought you had more sense than that.”

Rain placed a hand over his chest dramatically

“Wow, Rouge. Don’t hold back—say what you really mean.”

Jay glared.

Rain sighed, dropping the theatrics.

“Look… you were there when I got the book of prophecies. From—” he gestured toward the boarded-up shop next door “—there.”

Jay’s gaze flicked to the abandoned storefront, remembering their time together.

“And while your education is wildly biased,” Rain continued, “I’m sure you’ve heard how prophecies have come true over the centuries. The words of our seers are considered the words of the Gods. There’s an entire book of prophecies about me; about the life I’m destined for.”

He met Jay’s eyes; steady, solemn, resigned.

“I am destined to be the change the realm needs. Try as I might to deny it, I’m not destined for the simple life I crave with you.”

Jay’s breath faltered.

Rain inhaled deeply, grounding himself before he spoke again.

“That’s why I meant it when I said I understand why we can’t be together. I feel responsible for every living thing on this Gods-damned planet. That’s not something I would ever burden you or anyone with.”

His voice softened, but the truth in it was sharp enough to cut.

“If you were with me, you’d be sharing me with the world. And Jay… you deserve a love that centres around you and only you.”

A quiet sadness settled between them; heavy, inevitable.

Jay’s voice dropped to a whisper.

“Why does it have to be you?”

Rain didn’t hesitate.

“Because it couldn’t be anybody else.”

Chapter 50

The house felt skeletal without company.

Rain had spent years fantasising about having a place like this; a sanctuary far from the palace, far from the suffocating expectations, far from the constant hum of other people’s emotions. A place where he could finally breathe.

But now that he had it?

It felt like a cage.

A hollow, echoing cage where his mind had too much room to torment him.

The only nearby energy signature belonged to a lone shadow guard stationed at the community gate. The absence of others should have soothed him; should have given him the freedom to simply exist.

Instead, it left him feeling exposed.