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“Yes. Fortunes are nothing but fake money-making schemes at carnivals. They aren’t real.”
“Ember, in my world, if one sees the future, it is cemented.”
“So my fate is laid out for me, then? I’m supposed to burn something then marry someone sotheycan be king? What kind of garbage is that?”
Expecting him to show yet another look of pity, I’m not prepared for the frustrated expression on his face. “You may not believe that your fate is to marry the king, Ember, but I do know this will play out the way it has always been meant to. Whether you run or not.”
“I wish I would have just died already.” The words are out of my mouth before I get a chance to stop them.Thank you, shit filter.Covering my face with both hands, I shake my head and attempt to rein in my anger. Truthfully, Rafferty is not the reason I’m here. Therefore, taking it out on him isn’t fair.
Don’t shoot the messenger and all that.
“What do you mean by that?”
“Nothing. Just that I wish I wasn’t here, that’s all.”
“I truly am sorry you have been pulled into this. It’s not too late to just run, Ember. Wait until they are not looking, and go.”
I shake my head. “There’s no way I can find my way back to the portal. Not without your help.”
“You could try.”
“And I’d probably die before I made it even halfway there. I’m sticking with the original plan. I’ll get the key, and I’ll get you out.”
“It’s risky.”
“I’ll take it.” Silence surrounds us until all I can hear is the sound of water dripping somewhere in the distance. We remain like that, in complete quiet for minutes that stretch on until, finally, Rafferty clears his throat.
“Thank you, for helping me.”
“You already thanked me.”
“I know, but I—I’m not great at accepting aid when needed.”
Arching an eyebrow, I cross my arms. “You don’t say.”
He chuckles and runs a hand over his shaved head. “It’s a weakness of mine.”
“I’m the same way,” I admit. “Never wanting anyone to see you at your weakest has its negatives.”
“Very true.”
“I’m sorry you lost your sister. And that your brother is an asshole.”
Rafferty throws his head back and laughs. The deep baritone is such a surprise it catches me off guard.Damn, he’s handsome.My stomach warms, and my pulse quickens. “You are an enigma, Ember. And I am really looking forward to getting to know you.”
“What about Flora?” I ask, yet again, before realizing the words are prepping to leave my lips.
“What about Flora?”
“Aren’t you two a thing? Boyfriend? Girlfriend? Spouses? Mates? Whatever you call it?”
Rafferty’s face falls slack a moment before he begins laughing again, only this time, he doesn’t stop with one bout of laughter. The bastard actually bends at the waist and laughs so hard he has to steady himself against the bars.
“Why is that funny?”
“Flora is my closest friend,” he says as he straightens. “She was once betrothed to my middle brother, Ridley, but he found his mate in your world.”
“Wait, they were betrothed but not mates?”
