The Wrath of the Fallen (Gods & Monsters, #4)

by Amber V. Nicole

“Don’t,” I demanded. I didn’t know what would happen if Nismera said those words, but I knew it could be nothing good. She held someone more precious to me than a throne or a crown or the air I breathed. Dianna was more precious to me than any world or realm. I would sacrifice it all for her and not think twice about it.

“I’ll race you,” I said with a smirk. He frowned and peeled my arms from around him. “Dianna, do you truly think me immature enough to—” Samkiel took off running, not finishing his sentence. I gaped after him, and he was nearly at the stairs when I yelled, “You cheater!” His laughter boomed, bouncing off the palace walls and echoing in my heart as I chased after him.

“Give me your pain as you give me your love,” he said, placing my hand against his chest. “Let me carry it as you do, so you’ll never be alone with it.”

He offered me more than love. He offered me security, a home, a safe haven. Love was no longer the right word for what I felt for him. It wasn’t even close, but it was all I had. So, I flooded our bond with what I couldn’t say, sharing with him the overwhelming feelings and all that he had given me tonight. His arms closed around me, and as I fell asleep, basking in our connection, I heard him whisper, “I love you, too.”

When it comes to you, I’ll always choose you, no matter the consequences. The world can burn, and the realms can fall to destruction. If there is ever a choice between the two, I need you to know that neither the crown nor the throne means anything to me. None of it would matter without you. It’s always you. You are my priority. I may be a god, but you are the altar at which I worship.”

His smile was downright wicked, even if his eyes held nothing but love and admiration as he said, “I have lived an entirely long time, seen realms rise and fall, but I think I’ve always been a ghost. Never really there, I just moved through life waiting for something that would make me feel alive, make it all worth it. I wasn’t living without you, akrai, and I wouldn’t choose to remain without you.”

“Love means you would never bend to someone else’s will if it meant hurting the person you claim to care about, physical, emotional, or mental. It’s not an ultimatum or pain. You don’t hurt the ones you love. You protect them with everything you have, everything you are. Love is the unthinkable measures you’d go to for them, regardless of the consequences. If he truly loved her, as you say, he would have told Nismera to fuck off. He would have chosen her over orders, the world, and gods, probably even over you. I know because I would.

I shall always remain by your side, in life and death. I am yours until eternity ends.”