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A loud snore from one of the guards traveling with us pulls me out of my thoughts. Coming from the cabin near the back end, I can make out the grunting sound that ends with the smacking of lips and then the low chuckles of his brethren.
The mixture of sounds makes me snort, and I’m glad no one is here to hear me.
But then that amusement dies when reality hits me in the chest again.
I’m alone. Heartbroken.
There’s also so much I want to say and can’t. Every time I close my eyes, I’m haunted by the past and future—the silent rejection that slowly tears at my heart. This time he was unable to say the words, but the next...
“Things will work out. I vow to make it so for all of us.” A tear slips from the corner of my eye and I wipe it away, glad that my siblings aren’t here to witness this moment of weakness. I don’t want them to worry or carry more weight than what’s already on their shoulders. This is my burden. He is mine. “The road to happiness is paved by tears.”
A saying that accompanies me through the darkest moment.
Since the first time I dreamt of him.
Yet it also reminds me that the alternative would be permanent. Sorrow is unavoidable; our mates are the key, but it won’t be easy. I’ll lose my sister, but her mate will bring her back—her vampire will face death himself for the right to love her, and he will win.
Gabriella’s path will be easier than mine when it comes to her mate’s acceptance, but her path is not less painful. Life gives and takes. The gods bless and then destroy you on their next breath to appease their plans.
I’m cursed with knowing every outcome and not being able to stop the bleeding before it starts. It’s why our parents gave up their lives, because if Gabriella intervened, there would be no rebirth for her. Leo would never ascend to the crown.
Witches all around the world would be hunted down until only I remained chained and enslaved by another power-thirsty king, and his son.
Many are threatened by her gifts.
Others fear how strong the young Moore warlock will be.
Heavy is the head, but sharp are the blades.
Nothing changes the outcome, no matter how much I wish it were different; our paths were set in stone the moment our lungs took in their first breath. Many have tried and failed, and the witches working with the enemy to block my gifts—seeing their next move—isn’t enough to stop me.
Even muddled, I understand. Not with the kind of abilities that thrum through our veins, and the heavy crown laden with thorns that sits atop our heads.
A family given a gift. A lineage burdened by suffering and betrayal.
Greed. Power. Blood.
Gabriella is the mistress of death, while I see the lies and deceit hidden behind veils of love.
I couldn’t save our parents. I can’t save her.
“We’re back,” Gabriella calls out then, entering our cabin with what looks to be a pastry in her hand and a tea for me. She eyes me, brows furrowing, but doesn’t ask any questions while our little brother closes our door. He’s not paying attention to me, currently heading for the bed I made for him. “We brought you back a little snack. It’ll be a while before we make it to Naples...you should eat.”
“Later. Too tired to eat.” Lies. More like my mind can’t find rest.
“Thought you’d be sleeping. Did you—” The shaking of my head cuts her question off. You okay? she mouths, and I nod. “Need help to fall asleep?”
“Please.”
“One dormire special coming up.”
“Dork.” At that, she sticks her tongue out while I watch her grab one of the two small bags she brought with her. This one has a few dried herbs, valerian being one of them. From here I can scent the calming touch of chamomile, but with the added root, I’ll more than likely fall deep.
Mom would make me a tea just like this whenever my dreams or visions kept me up.
A pang of grief makes my eyes mist, but I blink them back while turning my face from hers. Instead, I focus on Leo who’s already asleep, and how a few second later mimics the high snore of our guards.
It’s loud and accompanied by a whistle that makes him wake up, look around, and then promptly fall back asleep. Gods, it’s hard, but I cover my mouth with a hand while my eyes automatically meet Gabriella’s. She’s biting her bottom lip, shoulders shaking, and still a tiny giggle escapes her.
