“When are you going to get it through that thick skull of yours?” I hissed at Malakai. “I’m not leaving without you.”
“Oh, so it’s better to sacrifice yourself, in order for me to be free?” Malakai clenched his teeth. “No thanks.”
“Do we get a vote in this?” Ashley asked, confused. “Now, I know black powder isn’t a fancy smell for you, so I’m safe. And I have a vague memory of saying Ethalyn can make her own damned choices.”
Malakai shook his head. “You don’t understand.”
“I do,” I said, stepping closer to him with determination. “I was there when he cut me. I saw what it did to you.”
He looked away. “Then you know why I can’t—”
“Why youwon’t,” I interrupted again, fire sparking along my fingertips. “That’s not control, Malakai. That’s surrender.”
His head lifted sharply. “You think this is easy for me?”
“No,” I said. “But I think you’re choosing theeasierway.”
The words hit like a slap. His eyes flashed bright crimson, heat rippling through the room. Lionel tensed, hand moving towards his weapon, but I shook my head.
Malakai strained against the chains, voice low and dangerous. “You have no idea what I’m holding back.”
“Then stop holding it back!” I shouted. The torches flared with the echo of my fury. “I don’t care what he did or what you are, you’re not a monster unless you choose to be. And I’m not letting you prove him right.”
For a moment, neither of us moved. The air between us pulsed with shared heat, and something even more raw beneath it. The crimson light in his eyes dimmed, flickering like a candle in a storm.
He exhaled slowly. “You should hate me.”
“I don’t,” I said softly. “I just hate watching you give up.”
“I don’t want to kill you,” he whispered defeated.
“You won’t,” I deflected. “I intend on living a long life with you.”
His eyes widened and a long silence followed.
“And if I hurt you, anyway?” Malakai asked, head bowing forward. “I know you, kitten, you’d do anything to save me. Because I would do the same for you.”
I exhaled slowly. “No, I’d stop you and bring your sanity back. I’d do anything to save you, yes, but giving up and dying isn’t an option, because it really defeats the point of living together, doesn’t it?”
Malakai’s body tensed, before he suddenly began laughing; a maddening sound that echoed throughout the room.
“You’re right.” Without looking up, he muttered low. “Get me out.”
I glanced back at the others who nodded as our eyes locked. Eve stepped forward, silent as ever, and with Lionel’s help began working the lock. The runes flickered, but as the chains came free, they faded.
Malakai slumped forward, catching himself with one hand against the floor, his breathing ragged. I moved instinctively, grabbing his arm before he fell. For a second, his forehead pressed against my shoulder, a feverish heat radiating through his skin.
His hand snapped to my upper arm, gripping it tightly. For a brief moment, I wasn’t sure if it was to hold me in place or to find stability with my help. His jaw tensed, eyes slowly dragging to my neck as red threads spilled from him, knotting together as if trying to hold back. The demon inside of him was yearning for a taste of my blood.
“That’s not good,” Nate murmured and I heard someone slap him—probably Ashley.
Without hesitation, I stretched my hand out and let my fingers stroke along his jaw. His powers stilled, frozen in time.
“Malakai,” I whispered. “Let’s get out of here. Together.”
He exhaled and nuzzled against my hand, the threads curling back into his veins. He shifted and planted a kiss in my palm. “Together.”
“See?” I murmured. “Still you.”
