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November 4 - November 19, 2025
“Merrick, there were so many things I never said. I love you so much. You brought me all the light. You brought me everything. Freedom. Hope. Trust. Love. Fight. I love you. Don’t die because of me. Please don’t die because of me. Live! Save this world. Please. Please. Please.”
“I don’t care what she wants.” Merrick shoved Raine’s arm off. “I don’t want to live in a world where she doesn’t exist.”
“I know she inspires every person she comes across. She is the fucking light of this world! The purest soul. The kindest. The strongest. A leader, a friend, a lover, a woman, a Fae, a human. But it’s almost too late. I can feel it!”
But just because she was broken… it didn’t mean she was useless.
She was something new. Something forged in pain. Something born out of guilt. Something bound by love.
Because every broken piece that remained now was just that… Bound by love.
He loved her. Utterly and completely. With every dark corner of his mind and heart.
Even the souls loved her after watching her for so long together with him.
She was everything that...
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“Please. I nearly lost my mind the past few days, so please allow me to be an overprotective bastard. Just today.”
Don’t be. Raine’s eyes flitted between hers. Solana always said no hurt was the same. We all hurt in different ways and for different things, but that doesn’t take away anyone’s right to pain.
“You’ve fought so bravely for so long. Please. Please just fight a little more.”
She held his heart. His soul. His everything.
She’d carved her hopes and dreams onto his skin.
His eyes widened upon landing on her. Every time he saw her, she was even more gorgeous—a light in the darkness that was his world.
“I love you too,” she said against his lips. “I love you with all the broken pieces I have.”
“We all make mistakes, regent. It’s what we do after that counts.”
“If you continue to tire yourself from riding her all day, I might begin to get jealous. I’d much prefer to be the one you have those beautiful legs wrapped around.”
Merrick and Lessia… They were respect, they were fight, they were hope, they were… love.
“I’m just trying to keep him alive,” Frelina whispered to herself, wondering if the words would ever reach Raine’s mate. “He’s still yours. He’ll always be yours. I hope it’s okay that I just… borrow him for a little?”
“It’s just…” Raine gripped the hand she kept driving into his chest. “I need you to know… I promised her forever.”
Then don’t hurt me, Raine. I don’t ask for promises or commitments. I only… I only ask that you don’t push me away when you’re hurting—that you treat me like you would a friend.
“Give it to me,” Merrick said hoarsely. “Give it all to me.” She continued, her fingers digging into his clothing, holding on as she let the fear and pain and worry and distress leave her with that horrible sound while Merrick continued whispering, “Give it to me, Lessia. I can take it.”
Men always thought war was about glory and bravery… but it wasn’t. It was dirt and blood and fear and doing whatever it fucking took to stay alive. There was no chivalry, no elegant swipes of swords or perfect footwork. Only desperation to stay alive, and sometimes a bit of luck.
“I…” Raine’s features sagged. “I don’t… I can’t…” “I know,” she responded quickly. “Just… for now… Let’s… just pretend.”
The us was the rebels. The us was the half-Fae and shifters. The us was humans and Fae who stood with them and against them. The us was even the Oakgards’ Fae above them.
There was no fear within her as Merrick pulled them deeper into the heavy darkness, because she knew… He would always, always be there to light the way for her.
