Page 55 of Black Hearted
Peering up at her, I offered a weak smile. “Thank you.”
She nodded, her expression softening. “You are carrying the future lords of Ethereum. It’s a lot of pressure.”
I understood that, though part of me hoped there was at least one lady of Ethereum in there, too. But I wasn’t sure how that worked. In Faerie, royalty only had girls, while here in Ethereum, it seemed they only had boys.
“I promise. My husband will not blame you if this goes badly.”
She swallowed hard, her teal eyes shimmering with emotion. I felt a pang of guilt for the burden she carried, for the fear she clearly held close.
We had a plan now. All that was left was to execute it.
“Hang in there, my loves,” I said softly to my belly, resting both hands on its curve. “Mommy’s got you.”
But as I said the words, my mind wandered to Zane and Lorelei. None of this would truly matter if they didn’t succeed in destroying the curse.
Time was running out for all of us, and if they failed, everything—even this—would be lost.
Chapter Seventeen
Lorelei
Saying goodbye to my mother was the hardest. She pulled me into a tight hug, telling me she knew I could do this. I knew it was the last time I’d ever see her, the last hug we’d ever share, but she didn’t. When she started to let go, I held on for a few extra moments. Finally, I released her, telling her I loved her. She said the same, her voice warm and steady, and then I turned away and mounted my horse. It was hard not to cry and say more. I had thought about sending messages to my sisters and father, but how could I without giving away the sacrifice I had to make?
Zane and I set out on our quest for the Tree of Transformation at first light, retracing our path back to the Spring Court to approach the Savage Lands from there. Now, the sun was high in the sky, and it was nearly lunchtime.
“The Spring Court is beautiful. You have a lovely home,” Zane said as we rode side by side on our horses.
This morning, when I’d stepped out of the tent, I nearly tripped over him. He’d fallen asleep right in front of the entrance, as ifstanding guard. His protectiveness sent butterflies fluttering in my stomach, but dwelling on it only made my heart ache more, knowing he’d never truly be mine.
Since mounting our horses, I’d barely said more than three words to him, still heartbroken over saying goodbye to my mother and consumed by the contents of the Wise Ones’ note. Realizing I was being rude, I forced a smile and turned my gaze toward him.
“Thank you. Did you travel to the Spring Court with the little girl from your dreams? Nellie?”
He nodded. “Your parents were kind enough to let her stay with them until I return. She seemed to get along particularly well with your sisters. Octavia in particular, as they’re so close in age.”
The mention of my beloved sisters caused the smile to slip from my face. I hadn’t been able to say goodbye to them or to my father. Perhaps I’d see them in their dreams, but it wasn’t the same. I’d never see any of their faces again in real life.
Zane leaned toward me in his saddle, his expression filled with concern. “Are you okay?”
He was so in tune with my emotions. It was a little unnerving.
I cleared my throat, pushing the bleak thoughts to the far corners of my mind. If I kept acting like this, Zane would start asking questions, and the last thing I wanted was for him to discover the truth about the note. Even though I didn’t know him well, I knew enough to be certain he wouldn’t let me go through with my plan. And if he stopped me, we’d all die.
“Yes,” I said quickly. “Tell me more about Nellie. She seemed very attached to you in your dream.”
A full grin lit up his face, making him even more handsome.
Stars, he was everything I wanted in a mate. Kind, respectful, tall, strong. Every step forward felt harder, knowing I’d never get the chance to really get to know him.
“She’s sassy, fun, annoying, and loves sweets,” he said, his grin widening.
I laughed. “Who doesn’t?”
He nodded. “Her grandmother passed away. I found her alone in her house on the Harvest Mountains, trapped. We sort of clicked.”
I frowned. “Does she have any other family?”
He shook his head. “No. I’m all she’s got. I know it’s only been a short while, but she’s becoming family already. I won’t abandon her too.”
