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My stomach throbs painfully as my hands fall to my sister’s shoulders. It’s very hard not to completely collapse on top of her.
Triton comes to kneel on my left, squeezing my shoulder in a silent show of support, or possibly he’s trying to help feed me life energy.
I don’t know how I know, but I do understand I can’t pull from him without killing him. Instead, I mine life energy from my soul to pour into my sister. Apparently, the assassins weren’t enough.
I’m not sure. I don’t have any clue how all of this works.
My eyes fall closed as I breathe through the fire that rips through my system. It’s the most painful thing I’ve ever felt. I’m not sure I’ll survive this.
Ary gasps as her eyes pop open.
“Gods, what have you done?” Hex asks from my right side.
“Korso,” I whimper, wrapping an arm around my lower stomach. His gifts include portals. He can open them at any time, in any place, and he’s nearly impossible to track.
“Ali,” my sister sobs, tossing herself at me for a hug. “I love you.”
“I love you too,” I whisper. “You have to go.”
Trident lifts her, nodding to Korso.
“Ali, come on,” Ary says, stretching out a hand for me.
“I can’t. They’ll be able to track my magic.” I grimace at the feeling of my insides turning to liquid fire. “Go.”
Trident gives me a nod, stepping through the portal as my sister fights like hell.
“Go,” I snarl when Korso looks back at me.
The horror on his face is plain to see as he steps through after them. He mouths,thank youand it closes with a pop.
My eyes fly down to see what exactly the price was this time.
Bright red blood is all I see before everything goes black.
ChapterNine
Aline
Everything is hazy as I relive the nightmare of my wedding day. I’m not really here, and I know that, but I can’t shake myself awake.
“Hey, kitten. Sorry I’m late,” the enticing voice says from behind me. Dark hands slide around my waist as his shadows swirl around us. I jolt as I’m yanked back into a strong chest, but my nose twitches with the familiar scent. The longer we’re apart, the easier it is for me to forget him, but it hasn’t been long enough this time for that to happen. “This one always hurts the worst.”
I clutch at his arm, nodding my agreement. He’s right. My wedding day cost me everything and everyone I loved. My heart throbs as I think of my mother and sister.
I miss them more than I have the words to describe. My fathers too, but they always kept my sister and me at a distance. It’s hard to admit, but it made their loss easier to handle.
“Let me take your pain,” Malice murmurs, kissing my cheek. His left hand cups my head, and he tilts my chin up to his. Our lips meet, and warmth fills my mouth and throat as he sucks away my torment.
Nightmares might be feared by most, but Malice is my stoic protector. I can’t imagine looking at him and seeing anything except pure safety.
“You always make me feel lighter when we’re together,” I admit as we pull apart.
“That’s because I only feed from you. I never use your hurts to multiply my own power. I couldn’t stand it if you truly feared me.”
I nod, but I feel like I need to be honest with him. “I’m afraid that I’m not being fair to you. You know about Atlas. We were—”
“The orc and I will come to an agreement.” He smiles against my skin. “I’m fairly sure we already have. He protects you, does he not?”
