Mom?
“Kia, listen to me,” her strong yet soothing voice ordered, her aura swirling around her.
I slammed my elbow into her side and, hooking my ankle around hers, yanked her legs out from under her. Twisting around with more power than I had ever had before, I threw her across the hall. She rolled over, breaking her fall, and her silver eyes blazed as she looked at me. For a moment, she looked like a phoenix, her aura so intense, her red hair falling in front of her face, and the look of determination told me that she was not afraid of anything.
I heard running and turned to see Maria and Raihana appear at the top of the stairs.
“Kiara, take control,” Maria encouraged, her eyes blazing as she walked towards me.
“Take another step, and I will kill myself,” I hissed.
How did I lose control of myself? I thought things were getting better…
“You won’t,” Raihana promised before she whispered a spell, and everything went dark. Her magic confused my senses, and no matter which direction I looked, I saw nothing.
The Djinn’s irritation rose within me, and I realised Raihana was using my own weakness against me.
“She’s injured…” I heard Raven murmur from somewhere in the darkness as I swung the dagger, making sure no one came close. I felt the force within me grow.
“Raihana, leave!” I heard Mom shout as my powers burst from me and illuminated the area. I was thrown to the ground. I wasn’t sure who had thrown me as both Maria and Mom were pinning my arms down, and the dagger was torn from my hold by Maria as I struggled against them.
“Kiara,” a deep voice called.
Alejandro?
Pain erupted in my chest, and a wave of guilt washed over me. What on earth was I doing?
I looked up into the blazing red eyes of my mate, the festering resentment within me growing. Even when Mom and Maria let go, I found myself pulling away, not wanting his touch. Or more like the Djinn didn’t want Alejandro near me.
Bending down, he lifted me by my waist. His eyes skimmed over my bloody chest, concern and fear flashing in his eyes.
“You need… to lock… me away…” I said, struggling to form my words as I pushed him away. I didn’t trust myself.
“Amore Mio…” He grabbed my arm and pulled me into his chest. Intense sparks rushed through me, and although the other emotions seemed to dissipate a little, the urge to kill him was still very strong…
I’m a danger to him, to my family, to everyone. Doesn’t he see that?
I could see Dad’s pained look and Liam’s. My guilt grew as he helped Raven to her feet, kissing her as he held her tight. The concern in Maria’s eyes, Mom’s worry… Raihana…
I had failed them all.
“Alejandro, you need to lock me away. I’m losing my mind,” I whispered. His embrace was tight, pinning my arms to my side. My heart thundered as I struggled fruitlessly in his arms.
“I got you.”
His words hit me hard, and I stilled. Silent tears trickled down my cheeks, and the pain within my chest hurt far more than the wound that was beginning to soak us both in blood. I closed my eyes, inhaling his scent. I didn’t need my memories to tell me that this was my safe place, my home.
“She needs to be checked over, Alejandro,” Maria’s voice called.
I realised his heart was pounding, and I pressed my lips against the fabric of his shirt, kissing his chest. This was my fault; I worried him…
“Dante… don’t let Dante see this,” I said, my vision darkening.
“Don’t worry, he’s being kept occupied,” Alejandro replied before lifting me up bridal style. Our eyes met, but I was unable to hold his gaze. I looked away, a wave of sadness washing over me.
I had failed him.
An hour later, I was partially healed. Raihana had tried to heal me, but whatever was controlling me was making it harder for her, so we told her to stop. She was pregnant, and we couldn’t risk it. I had fallen unconscious and had caused more damage by exerting myself even when I was heavily injured. I had lost a lot of blood.
