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She’d fallen into a fantasy where the kindness of her captor had been enough to make her forget she was a captive.
“One would think someone as cursed as I wouldn’t appeal to the Fairy Folk. A minor error from the gods, I’m sure.” Arianna cradled her elbow. “I wasn’t aware the gods made mistakes. Isn’t that why they’re gods?”
“It’s a tiring task to convince those who have already judged you. Fear is simpler.”
“Everyone needs someone they can trust.” “Get betrayed enough and you’ll think differently.”
“Don’t pity me. I’d rather live without ties than suffer with broken ones.”
“The real suffering begins when we crave those ties but can’t attain them.” “Because no one can be trusted.” “Maybe, but isn’t it worth the risk?” He raised a brow. “To hurt?” “To love.”
“You? You think you could be the one to love the monster?”
“The Divine and the Cursed. How fitting.” He stepped back and started toward the cabin, glancing behind to see if she’d follow.
He’d never felt these urges before. It was a need that set his body on fire and she was the kindling to his flame. Something about her drew him in, leaving Rion helpless in her presence. He wanted to drown in her essence, and it terrified him.
“My demons aren’t yours to bear.” “What if I want them to be?”
“Should I bow to you?” She unfolded her arms, but Arianna rushed forward and gently took her hands. “I think you’ve bowed enough for one lifetime.”
To hell with the war. To hell with his country. The only thing he needed was sleeping right beside him.
“Dare I ask what prompted you to come here in the first place?” Rion stared after the creature’s retreating form. “Maybe I hoped the monsters would welcome one of their own.”
“Are you afraid?” She kept her voice soft. “No.” His hot breath tickled the back of her neck, sending pleasant shivers down her spine, then he whispered, “I’m terrified.”
“Why?” She wanted to break down that wall gently, brick by brick if she had to. “Because you can hurt me in ways I’ve never been hurt. Without lifting a finger, you could shatter me completely.”
“Before you make any decisions, I need you to know that I’d give you anything, Arianna. No questions asked. If you want to go home, I’ll take you. If you want me to leave, I’ll go.” He took a shuddering breath. “If you want my life, it’s yours.”
“I will never hurt you,” she said. Rion took her fingers lightly, pulled them away from his face, and placed a needful kiss to the inside of her wrist. “Just make it quick if you do.”
His chest heated beneath her palm and Arianna’s voice cracked. “More than anything, I wish I could heal the scars you carry in here.”
But Rion was gentle, the creature everyone feared treated her as though she were a delicate flower in early spring.
“Scars remind us of the battles we’ve survived,” she said without looking at him. He loosed a breath, showering her in his scent. “Some battles are better forgotten.”
“I don’t want to look back and regret never knowing what it felt like to love you. So yes, Rion. I want this. I want you.”
And in that moment, Arianna made a vow. She swore she’d never let Rion feel alone again. Not so long as she lived. Because he was hers to protect now and she was his.
“Our demons don’t disappear overnight.”
“You’re not real.” Her brow creased. “You’re an ethereal dream come to torment me, granting every wish only to strip them away when I’m content. You’re the beautiful wave before it crashes over the shore, dragging everything out to an icy sea.” His voice lowered. “You’re my salvation and my damnation.”
“I’m real.” She brought her lips to his. “And I’m not here to torment you.” Arianna pushed him down on the bed. “I’m going to crash over your nightmares, not your dreams.” She kissed him again. “And I’ll be whatever you need me to be.”
Her name was like a prayer on his lips.
But reality was a cruel thing. This wasn’t happiness, this was sorrow and unending pain. Part of him felt as though he’d taken her prisoner, clasping shackles around her heart instead of her wrists.
Arianna was the light in the darkness. What did one do when the light faded?
“I’ve been without you for so long, Arianna. The thought of you hating me is a burden too great to bear. So, if you ask me, I won’t hunt him down.” Her voice quivered. “But he’s your High Lord.” “And you’re my queen.”
But more importantly, could she ever forget Rion? He’d once told her eternity was a very long time. How much longer for those in misery?
“Mine,” she growled. “He’s mine.”
“The time I’ve spent without you has tormented my soul.”
“You will never, never have to spend another day in this life alone. I won’t allow it.”
