An animal.
Caged.
Alone.
He was right. Although she loved her family more than words could ever say... this was it for her—these fields, these walls. As long as she lived, she would be a threat, and others a threat to her.
“I don’t know why they keep you hidden, why they keep you shackled to this place. There is so much more to the world.” Her eyes began to well. “I want to experience it with you. Do you not want the same?”
She did. It was a fantastic dream of hers, to marry him and travel the world together. To actually live, to see the things she read about. She wanted that, she wanted a life with him, away from this place.
She took a steady breath. And then she told him everything. The prophecy, the curse, the time she spent training with Adriel. She even told him what she knew of the fae queen, and the wounded scout they couldn’t save.
He stared at her, not balking. He didn’t look at her like she was crazy or some sort of witch. He listened to her explanation intently as it fell from her lips.
Salty streaks made watery paths down her face. He pulled her close and pressed the softest kiss to her chin.
“I can protect you. All you have to do is say yes. Come with me?”
Her breath hitched as his lips touched her cheek. She was sure he tasted her tears.
“Please, Helaina,” he whispered, continuing to pepper kisses on her collarbone.
She closed her eyes, casting one final teardrop past her lashes. She didn’t understand what she’d done to gain his trust and understanding. She was just grateful that he hadn’t fled.
“I’ll only go... if you keep kissing me... only if you keep touching me.” She tried to sound confident. “Please.” It was her turn to beg.
Dolion’s eyes roamed every part of her exposed skin. He guided a finger along the hem of her gown. Then he brought his lips to her neck.
“Like this?” he whispered. Her skin pebbled at his every caress.
“Yes, more. I want you to be my first.”
He groaned, his gaze fixed on her skin.
“As tempting as you are, I want to save that for our wedding night.” His voice became low and mischievous as his lips ran over her shoulders. “But there are other things we can do.”
“Show me.” She wanted him to touch every inch of her, to leave no trace of her skin unexplored.
His smoldering eyes found hers. His hand glided from her chest to the back of her head as he pulled her close, claiming her lips fully.
She was lost in it—lost in him.
He broke contact to remove his shirt, and four breathy words left her lips.
“I love you, Dolion.”
He leaned in close, his bare chest warming her front. “I love you.”
No other words were spoken. Their bodies explored each other for the first time in a frenzy of lust and wanting.
Finally she had hope for her future. Soon, her new life would begin.
CHAPTERFORTY-ONE
Callum’s rage was an oppressive energy, consuming his every nerve as he stood above his brother.
He had forced everyone out of the infirmary but Theo and Helaina. As he observed Aaron’s pale face, he couldn’t stop the cold grip of guilt from creeping in. No being had ever gottenthisclose to their stronghold undetected.
