Broken by the Horde King (Horde Kings of Dakkar, #4)

by Zoey Draven

“I left the horde. I chose my family over my duty as mokkira,” I said. “And I—I understand if you wish to send for another from Dothik. I⁠—”

You will always disappoint someone with your decisions. But you are worth it, lysi? You have not failed in your duty.”

“I am sorry for what I put her through. I am sorry for hurting her, for putting strain on your family.”

“But trust that I would have come had I known. Nothing would have kept me away.” Something flickered deep in the pattar’s eyes. Stunned realization. Because he knew me. Despite the fact that I had hurt Maeva all those years ago…I was not a liar. He believed me when I said I hadn’t known.

“So I am asking you both…if she decides to accept me as hers, if she decides to take her place as Morakkari to my horde, will you join it? Will you leave the saruk for her?”

“I broke your heart right here,” he murmured, his eyes glowing with memory. “I made the biggest mistake of my life right here.”

giving him a soft smile that momentarily made his expression go slack. Like I’d dazed him.

“I don’t need the frost to be certain that I want to be by your side,” I told him. “I am certain right now. I was certain before you left for the East Lands.”

“And I’d never felt such peace,” he continued. “I’d never felt such…purpose. Because in that moment, it was my purpose in life to make you happy. To love you. To protect you. To protect our child.”

I love you. “Anything for you,” he murmured. “Always, Maeva.”

“Morakkari,” he rasped under me, his eyes like embers from a fire. “Finish me.