Page 86 of Hunger & Harmony

I glance back over, and my throat catches.

A woman sits on the cliff’s edge, her legs dangling precariously. With raven hair and eyes of silver starlight, she’s strikingly beautiful. Long bell sleeves drape over her lap, with golden trim embellishing her red dress. Her attire is regal, though her demeanor is anything but.

Her smile invites me closer, and I bound towards her with no hesitation or fear of the steep drop.

“Doesn’t that mean we cannot come here?” I continue, once snuggled into her side.

Tucked under her arm, not one thing can go wrong. A dry breeze runs through my dark hair, and my eyes scan over the silhouettes of cragged peaks. Clouds above us block the moon and blanket of stars.

“It does,” she says, voice like a bell, clear and soothing. “You mustn’t harbor anger towards your father, Alaric. He tries to do right by you.”

I feel my lips form a frown.

“He only cares for the Court’s favor,” I huff, feet kicking as I hold her side tighter. “I don’t want to be king. That means I won’t care about anyone. Only . . .”

It’s lost on me what kings care about.

She hums thoughtfully, like she knows‌ more than I could imagine.

“You will always have your heart,” she says, squeezing me briefly into her side. “When the time comes, you shall know better how to walk your path.”

“Can you not just tell me?” I mumble, and she chuckles.

“Now, now,” she says. “There is a gift in the unknown.”

“What gift?” I ask, perked up as I stare at her.

“Endless possibilities.”

Laughter sounds again when I pout, and her fingers grasp my cheek sweetly.

“That doesn’t sound all too exciting,” I mumble.

“In due time.” Her smile doesn’t reach her eyes anymore. “In due time . . .”

The clouds give way, and I point excitedly at a constellation I recognize. She taught me how to find it from the Scorpius’ curved hook.

“Look! The Satyr and his bow!”

“Yes,” she says, following my finger. “Good job, darling.”

An ache blooms in my chest. Because I will never see these stars again. Because as the sky fades and I’m swallowed by darkness again, I know I will never hope this sincerely again.

I startle awake. My hand reaches for him, even though I know he’s gone. I let my fingers curl where Niko once was, and catch my breath.

Minutes pass before I find the courage to open my eyes. Regret hits like a tidal wave when I do, and my hands fly up to my neck.

A thirst like no other weakens me; my throat thick with desperation. I recognize now that it isn’t my own. Much like the dream showed me, this bond isn’t only physical. The archives of his being thread with mine, and I tug and thrash against these red strings.

We can’t. We can’t.

I shakily reach for the carafe, swearing when all I accomplish is fumbling the glass. While it doesn’t shatter, it tumbles onto the rug, and spilled water deepens the rich hue.

“Shit,” I croak out as I stretch my arm out for it.

There’s a quick knock on the door as I nearly slide off the bed. Before I can react, it’s already opening.

“Cadence,” Selene murmurs, striding across the room to my side.