Between Despair and Hope (The Divine Between, #2)

by Jess Wisecup

voice. “I am her mother. I should have known better. I never should have allowed myself even a moment of respite while she was gone. Distracted by a man, my gods.”

“I have known King Rainier for many years. I did not know your name but I knew you. He did not fall in love with you again. Always, that man has loved you.”

you aren’t only a mother. Your identity isn’t your daughter. It isn’t your dead sister. Hell, your identity isn’t the Beloved either. You are a woman who did her best in an impossible situation, and just because you stole some happiness for yourself does not mean you are a bad mother.”

“I think I could have truly loved you, min viltasma. If only we’d had the time.”

but she didn’t need me. That hit me harder than it should have.

I fell in love with her while showing her the stars, and I’ll love her until the last one falls from the sky.”

“You mistake me. I need you more than I’ve ever needed anyone. Staying away from you has been—“ He shook his head. “A fish without water. The tides without the moon. A flower without the gods damn sun. You are my heart and soul. You are the reason I draw breath. That’s why I’ve been so fucking scared to hurt you.

If I am the moon, then you are the sun, fireshine. You shine your light upon me and brighten all which is cold and dark within me. You have taught me to forgive is divine and even I, a loathsome creature, am deserving of it. I spend every moment wishing for more with you. More quiet, more talking, more kissing. Just more. If you never wish to look upon me again, Alina, I understand. But know, I am ruined for having loved you.

“Damia,” he said on a sigh as his lips lifted into a beautiful smile. “My deliverance.”

I had to wonder if any parent had any idea what they were doing. Were we all just trying to do better than our own?

“I’m fucking tired, mouse.”

“A warrior until the end,” I said, my voice breaking. “Until the end,” Nor agreed,