Page 115 of Hunger & Harmony

“Does Cadence speak the truth?” she asks, the vial starting to vibrate. “The bond wasn’t her choice?”

I don’t want to break my confidence, but I can’t help but find Niko’s eyes. His jaw tightens, but he’s otherwise still. He braces for what’s next. I tear my gaze away before I lose this moment.

The entire room waits, the walls themselves leaning in to watch my fate unfold. It isn’t long before the liquid turns clear, confirming my words as truth.

Silas swears under his breath. I notice the Hunters exchanging glances, like they don’t know what to do next. What was their plan? Why was I such a key part?

“I’m not with the Order,” I say, tone steady as I square my shoulders. “I don’t know why you’re trying to run with that lie, but it’s insulting. I never chose this Dissonant bond.”

Framing myself as a victim means publicly denouncing Niko. What other choice is there, though? The Hunters are on their back foot now, and I have time to confirm the prophecy. The true one.

Silas shifts on his boots. This wasn’t the outcome the Hunters expected. A hum settles under the chaos of the room, like a distant lullaby.

Screams cut through the quiet again as sapphire smoke rises around us. I lift my arm to shield my face, coughing as it suddenly obscures my vision.

Once the thick fog dissipates, the Hunters are gone.

And with them, all of Aurea’s trust.

27

NO RETURN

Sirens wail in the distance. I press my forehead to the cold glass, eyes fixed on the full moon above. Sunveil is beautiful tonight. What a cruel irony.

“Hey,” he calls from behind me. “Don’t stay close to the window for too long.”

I turn to Niko with a wobbling frown. He opens his arms, and I rush to return to the couch and his embrace. We’re holed up in my apartment, and I’ve never wished more to stay hidden forever.

Hours have dragged by since the attack. It leveled not only the foundation of vampires, but Niko’s position as king. I’m a liability. I feel every ounce of that guilt, even as I selfishly burrow into his chest.

Shouting echoes from below, and I cling to him. Various media swarm the company buildings, every mortal with a camera demanding an interview or at least a slice of this profitable chaos. Security can only do so much.

Exhaustion lines Niko’s smile when I peer up at him.

“Do you hate me?”

Do you hate that fate wove me into your stars?

What a stupid question. It doesn’t dim his smile, though.

“No, I don’t hate you. You protected us, Cadence,” he says, hands steady on my sides. “You gave us time.”

I know he understands. Maybe better than I do. His loyalty isn’t the problem, and neither is his restraint. The cost of our love keeps skyrocketing, and I’m not a traitor—I’m worse.

“Everyone else is coming by soon,” he says after a lull of heavy silence.

My shoulders slump. He rubs circles on my back.

“We’ll discuss as a team, but if there’s anything you want to say first, I’m listening.”

Did I make the right choice? Will I ever mend the damage the Hunters caused? What was their real plan? Am I acting as a true queen should? Or have I stepped perfectly into my role as the Dissonant?

“I’m scared,” I whisper, even though those words are too simple to describe how deeply shaken I am.

“I am, too,” he admits, and I meet his gaze again. “But I’m also proud of you.”

I tilt my head slightly. He brushes a stray lock of hair out of my face.