Page 130 of Hunger & Harmony

“Take me to him.”

My universe narrows to this dim chamber. Shadows drape in long ribbons, only a single candle near the bedside cutting through the dark.

As eager as I am, my footsteps slow. No one else is here. The guards wait outside the closed doors, and everything else fades as I approach Niko’s bed.

He’s wrapped in onyx silk, with sheer curtains draped from the bannisters, obscuring my view of him. The scent of burnt metallics lingers in the air, overpowering the gentle rose incense. Silver-stained bandages lay haphazardly on the floor, along with a medical bag pushed to the side. My heart thumps deep in my ribcage as I hold my breath.

When I step over the mess and part the curtain, my hands fly up to my mouth and heart. My tattoo warms under my fingers as I take in the sight of him.

Shirtless, with gauze tightly wrapped around his chest, silver and red bloom from his ribs. The blade barely missed his undead heart. His scorpion tattoo isn’t the only thing glowing red on his skin. My frown wobbles, and I bring my gaze up to his face.

Far from peaceful, his eyes are closed, brows pinched in agony. My teeth dig into my lower lip. I shouldn’t disrupt his rest. At least I got to see he’s still here.

As I turn from the bed, a hand grasps mine.

“Please . . .”

I sharply turn back, wide eyes finding his strained expression.

“Stay.”

When my brain catches up, I immediately sink onto the bed next to him, bringing his hand to my chest.

“I’m here,” I say. “I’m here . . .”

His fingertips press against my heartbeat, his wrist relaxing when he feels me entirely. Without hesitation, he pulls me down to him, and though I remain careful of his wounds, my relief swells as I press against his side.

“My starlight,” he whispers. “How blessed I am to hold you again.”

Resting his arm around me, his fingers idly caress the warmth of my skin where my shirt rides up. I sniffle into his chest, unable to form a response yet. Closer, I watch the faint glow of silver coursing through his veins. Cass was right. The poison still weakens him.

“N . . .Niko,” I say, already choking up.

“Sweet girl, there’s no need to cry.” He shifts his position, gaining enough strength to smile. “I’m alright. I⁠—”

He coughs, veins pulsing silver along his skin. My eyes widen in horror, and I hold him gently as his body wracks.

My tears return when he relaxes into the bed again. His hands settle against me, and I press my cheek to his chest.

“You’re not,” I whisper.

No response comes. It’s only when I tilt my head to look up at his ashen face that he speaks.

“You’re right,” he responds softly. “How could I be when it’s come to this?”

“It isn’t your fault,” I start, but he shakes his head.

“I should have given up the crown sooner.” His fingers curl against my back, holding me like salvation. “I have failed my people, my closest confidant, and my greatest love.”

My frown deepens. The Court has fractured, and Hunters must be emboldened by this. If anything, this isn’t the end, but the twisted beginnings of war. They’ve won this battle, and Niko’s fragile state is proof.

“No. You haven’t failed.”

I sit up, resting a hand over the bandaged wound as I hold his gaze.

“I have the answer.”

He peers up at me through heavy lids, confusion lining his exhaustion. More certain than ever before, I’ve made up my mind.