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When I was at my absolute lowest moment.

He manipulated me from the very beginning. Just like Nix is trying to manipulate me by choosing this place to hide The Covenant.

But I am done being manipulated.

I knew I was coming here to end this, but until this moment I wasn’t entirely sure I’d have the power to do it.

Now, I know I do.

Because I am not going to let them win.

28

Lucien

Ifind Kim standing in front of the Original Six exhibit. When we first encountered one another, circumstances were completely different. We were strangers. We worked together because we had to.

Now, he’s something I can’t quite name.

I don’t see him the way I saw Nix. Not a brother. Not a passionate, intense love.

I suppose, I see him as a friend who I want to fuck, and who fucks the woman I love.

I don’t love Kim. I don’t believe I’m capable of loving anything or anyone except Luna. Even my feelings for Nix cannot be described as love; they are obsession, dangerous obsession. An attachment that cannot be broken because Darius threaded us together forever.

I love Luna selflessly. I would die for her.

I would not die for Nix.

I would die for Kim, but only because he is going to be able to live a full life with Luna in a way I can’t. And although she’d be sad to lose me, I think she would learn to be happy without me, and Kim would take care of her.

Nevertheless, I do care about Kim. And that’s hard to admit.

Seeing him injured was distressing for me not just because I knew it would upset Luna. Fucking him is pleasurable for me not just because I like watching him with her. And now, knowing there is something happening under the surface of his thoughts – something he hasn’t said out loud – I feel the need to comfort him.

“Do you need to talk about what is bothering you?” I fold my arms in front of my chest, aware I sound annoyed rather than concerned.

“I know you’ve been inside me now and everything, but I’m not sure we’re at the sharing our feelings stage just yet.” Kim is trying to use his usual brand of humour but it doesn’t reach his eyes, and he sighs after he speaks. “Sorry.”

I don’t say anything.

“My wife died on our wedding day.”

“I’m aware.”

“Luna’s the first woman I’ve allowed myself to feel anything for since Sarah died. And she actually reminds me of her in a lot of ways. And⁠—”

“You’re afraid of getting your heart broken again if Luna dies tonight?”

Kim frowns. “Well, when you say it like that it makes me seem like a selfish bastard.”

I tap my foot, waiting for him to join the pieces.

“I’m scared for her not just me. But okay I take your point.”

I press my tongue to the tip of my fang then abruptly, without really thinking about it, I kiss Kim hard on the lips.

He flinches at first then leans into it, but then we both break away.