"Itabsolutelymeans you are meant to be with me!" he roared. His eyes turned black and stayed that way, but strangely, I wasn't scared.
This is typical Acheron.The thought entered my head without a prompt, and I immediately knew I'd dealt with his overbearing nature many times. In our parallel life.
"When you are ready to come home, call me."
I frowned at the strange comment. His Kingdom was based in modern day Europe, but it was only accessible through a hidden portal. "How? My phone probably broke when I threw it at Vladimir."
He gazed at me, his now blue eyes relaying a message I couldn't decipher. "You will know what I mean."
I stared at my front door; the butterflies that had been fluttering in my stomach were now taking full flight. I didn't have my key, so my only option was to knock.
The door swung open almost immediately. David's eyes were wide with panic as he raked over me. Guilt ate at my core when I noticed his disheveled appearance.
"Alice? God, I've been so worried! Where have you been? Are you okay?"
No."Yes. I’m-I’m sorry I didn't call. My phone—"
"I tried calling you, but your phone was off,” he interrupted. He shook his head. “Never mind about that. What the hell happened in here? I was so worried, I had to call the cops."
Of course. The fight between Acheron and Vladimir—it made sense why he called the police. I rushed past him, panicked at what I would find because there wasn't a simple fight here; Acheron had torn him apart. The blood alone—
I came to an abrupt stop in the living room, my brow furrowed as I looked around in confusion. It wasn't as bad as I remembered. Like, at all. There were a few holes in the walls, and a couple of hinges were hanging off the kitchen cupboard. But other than that…
"Is this…what happened?"
David came up behind me. "That's what I want to know. I came home at four a.m. after…after what happened and foundthis.” He gestured around. “I called the police when your phone was off. They told me to leave everything and call them if youmade contact. They couldn't find any sign of foul play, although they questioned me a little too hard for my liking."
"I’m-I’m so sorry. I don't know how this happened. Maybe-maybe we had a break-in? I did leave a little abruptly. Perhaps I forgot to lock the door–"
"A break in? Nothing was taken. It doesn't make sense."
"David." My protest was weak because I really couldn't explain anything. At least, not in a way that he would believe.
David finally looked at me properly, his eyes sweeping me up and down. He noted the clothes I was wearing, and his jaw ticked. "You didn't take anything with you. Where did you get those clothes?"
"David—"
"You were withhim,weren't you?" He didn't sound angry, just hurt. Which was worse.
"No! I mean, yes, I was."
At his shattered expression, I moved forward, my hand cautiously extended. "But not like that! It’s-it’s complicated. I wish I could explain."
"You're leaving me for him." His voice was flat as he moved away from my touch. "I should've known.” He laughed harshly. “I've been in love with you since we were kids. I knew you didn't feel the same way about me but thought in time, you would." He glanced at me, his eyes red. "You've never been in love with me, have you?"
Tears fell down my face, and I brushed them aside. Knowing that I hurt David, whether intentionally or not, gutted me. But I had no right to cry; I didn't want him to comfort me after what I did.
"I'vealwaysloved you," I stressed. "I will always love you." I sniffed back my tears, unable to look heartbreak in the face. "But no…I'm so sorry, David. But I don't think I love you the way you need. The way you deserve."
He stared at the ground, his chin wobbling as he held back his own tears. "I figured." His voice was hoarse. "I ignored it. I thought I could get you to love me the same way. And for a while, I thought you did." He swiped at his face with the back of his arm before glancing at me. "Until him. How long have you been in love with him?"
I rolled my lips in to keep the quiver from my lips. God help me, but I couldn't lie to him. He deserved the full truth.
"It feels like my whole life," I whispered, and I heard him suck in his breath.
I still didn't fully understand how it happened, but I knew in my heart of hearts that I met Acheron when I was eighteen and promptly fell in love with him on that field under the full moon. I also knew that I had been unconsciously looking for him ever since.
"So what happens now?" David whispered. He didn't ask questions. He didn't want to know the details. I felt so selfish for being relieved.
