Total pages in book: 155
Estimated words: 147891 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 739(@200wpm)___ 592(@250wpm)___ 493(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 147891 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 739(@200wpm)___ 592(@250wpm)___ 493(@300wpm)
Damn.
Her words are soothing, like ice to a hot, swollen knot. Some of the tension fades away as I reel her into my arms, but as I peer over her shoulder, past the waterfall and toward the pastures that lead to the ocean, that worry still sits in my gut like a block of steel.
Whether Willow realizes it or not, we’re in the crossfire of the Regals and The Council. They’re much more powerful than we are, and one rash decision from them can tarnish our lives. Of course I want to be happy with her. I want that forever, but how can I be with such threats lingering?
How do we know Hassha and Korah won’t just kill me to deter The Council’s plans? How can I be certain The Council won’t return, despite their fears?
There are too many what ifs, too many doubts…but regardless, my mate is right. I’m still monarch, and I’m still in control of what I have before me. There is a power within me that I need to develop. I am the son of a hybrid Mythic and a cold tethered child. It starts with me and if weapons form against us, I’ll make sure I’m ready.
So, I let it be…for now.
Chapter 96
MIDNIGHT IN KESSEL
Inside the visitor’s hut, Hassha stands over one of the Cold Tethered children with her heart beating slowly. Her eyes hold a subtle blue glow as she studies the man with hair like a lion’s mane and dry, brown skin. She’s scanned him several times, had him treated to remove the dark energy within his soul, but none of it is working.
Now, it’s late, and she’s made her presence unknown, cloaked in a shield of invisibility. While she watches them in their slumber, they can’t see or hear her, though they probably could sense her presence if they were awake, feel as if someone were watching. But they aren’t, and she’s made sure of it with the sleeping spell she’s put them under.
Warren’s partner, Danica, rests next to him, one arm draped over his waist, her face buried into his body. She has Kessel blood in her that’s pure and strong. A lovely couple, Hassha thinks, and as badly as she wants to smile, she can’t help sensing something is so very wrong with them. Or perhaps it’s just him. It’s not just that the energy of Decius remains in Warren’s soul, but something much heavier is thriving in his mind—something that feels equally as powerful as she is…and terrifyingly familiar.
The only option is to get into his head, dive deeper, and see what’s really keeping his virtuous soul at bay.
Something crackles outside the hut and Hassha peers back. Through the window she spots a glow of lavender. The hairs rise on her bronze arms, like static is in the air, and a familiar warmth sinks into her chest, settling around her rib cage. She’s only ever felt this with one person of Vakeeli—this comfort that can’t be denied. This warmth brings a trust that is rooted so deeply inside her, it’s impenetrable.
A smile graces her lips as the heat of a body arrives next to hers. This person’s energy is potent and charged, fed off land, water, and Vakeeli air. She smells of ocean, grass, and golden blooms. She smells of love.
“Korah.” Hassha utters the name in a gentle voice, her heart beating a notch faster. She doesn’t move her head, too afraid of how she’ll react when seeing her sister again after so many centuries. They’ve spoken only through thoughts and messages for so long. In the cozy confines of this hut, she’ll cry if she looks too soon.
“What is it? Afraid I’m even more beautiful than the last time you saw me?” Korah’s laughter is infectious and Hassha finally turns her head to digest an eye-full of her sister.
There is no denying that Korah is beautiful. In fact, Korah has always been the prettiest one of all. The candlelight bounces off her dark skin and reflects off her purple eyes as if they’re a mirror. Her hair is collected into one large ponytail, bushy and beautifully unkempt, giving off that edge only she can bring. She dons her signature colors—green, brown, and beige. Hassha’s vision blurs and all the colors as well as the silver of her sister’s irises merge into one.
“Aw, sister.” Korah turns fully to face her, drawing her in for a hug. She’s missed her just as much, and her heart comes alive as they hold each other chest to chest. “I’ve missed you,” Hassha whispers.
“I’ve missed you too.” Korah leans back, gripping the tops of Hassha’s shoulders. She can’t help noticing her sister is wearing armor, which is odd considering it’s so late at night and she’s in protected land. She should be dressed comfortably, for peace, not like this.