Page 73 of Hunger & Harmony

As he unravels before the world, I know I can’t let him.

I need the hunger,

I choose it as mine.

Maybe I should know better. Maybe I should turn and run while I still can. Maybe I should leave him alone, and allow him his rage.

I step into the music.

The song surges, and I brace myself. Everyone else surrenders to his eminence, whether on their hands and knees or simply shielding themselves. Although each note seeks me like a missile, I’m steady on my feet as I power through whipping winds.

“Your Majesty!” I call out, hoping my voice isn’t lost in his power.

The Vox Crown bleeds, and the altar he stands on is cracking. Sancte Noctis’ mirage wavers, and I lose my footing in the barren hall I was used to. Between these two realities, Niko’s voice cuts through everything, ripping his kingdom apart with an ancient tongue I no longer recognize.

I press forward. Even the ground I step on is disorienting, so I focus on him and him alone.

“Ah!”

A hiss emits from between my teeth when wrist starts burning. Hurrying off my gloves, my eyes widen in horror as the tulle falls away. The guitar pick heats violently, as if rejecting the song crashing around me, and I instinctively grab it.

“Shit.”

My cry is lost as blood stains the necklace. It burns into my skin, blood immediately beading and smearing in my palms.

Before it hurts me further, I yank the chain from my wrist, shaking as it clatters onto the stone floor. This isn’t a normal burn. As I raise my hands, I stare down at precise wounds, chest heaving as crimson beads drip onto the floor next to Niko’s necklace.

Niko.

Where is he? I frantically look up, breath stolen as I meet his stare from above.

His vivid gaze widens, realizing it’s me. Realizing that I’m running to him.

“Your Majesty!” I call again, stepping over the mess I made.

My dress clings to my legs, and I forget the pain in my palms as I hike up the skirt. I won’t let anything stop me.

“Niklaus!”

The hall is nothing but white smoke and high-pitched ringing. Only he remains, with the ruined altar lowering to the floor as I hurry towards him.

“Cadence?”

Over rubble and broken masks, I finally reach him. He stares in disbelief, his once pristine attire ripped open, and his vengeance quieted. I don’t hear his song, and I don’t pick up on the Vox Crown’s notes.

“Niko!” I exclaim as I rush into his arms.

We collapse to our knees together, and my bloody fingers find his face. I don’t care about the blood staining his jaw as I caress him. I don’t know when I started crying again.

“Niko . . .” I sob, clinging to him, echoing his name like it’s salvation.

It’s so quiet now. My pleas are the only sound in this haze of aftermath.

“Cadence,” he finally whispers, holding me so gently, like he doesn’t believe I’m really here.

I can’t take it anymore. My lips find his, and I surge against him. Desperation, worry, and want all marry between us, and I’m not careful of his fangs. I’m already bleeding for him; a kiss can’t cut me deeper.

It breaks his stupor, and his hands firmly press into my hips. Everything pours out between us.