So many dead.
My brother…
My misplaced love…
The sting of agonizing lament drove its own stakeblade into me. Again and again and again. Good. I wanted it to, to find the right spot to end this pain. To give me what I deserved.
Because of me, I’d inflicted so much suffering on two worlds. I was the master of death, the king of misery.
Whatever I touched, whatever I did, all ended in suffering.
So much suffering.
I looked up, seeing Paris and Caer over by the bushes as they always were. Keeping me at a distance, as they should.
I’ve ruined the elf’s life.
I’ve—
Everything changed, taking me to an alleyway in Oreflame City.
Paris was there. Shining, beautiful Paris.
Out there in the domain of fur and long winters.
I saw him, sensed him.
There you are!
I wasn’t sure how, but thank Selene for this gift.
I’m coming, my spark.
I’m coming.
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
PARIS
Ifinally reached the end of the vampire king’s horrible memories and ached with sympathy.
His realm, his people…fuck.
“I…I need to speak to him.”
I went to move across the glade, Caer stopping me.
“Leave him be,” she said. “Let him process this.”
I recoiled as if she’d slapped me. “No. He needs me.”
“He will.” She pressed a hand to my chest. “And we are getting closer to seeing what was taken from him.”
I couldn’t stand this. I had to hold him, let him know I was here for him because I…
…I cared. So much.
So damn much.
