Page 79 of Black Hearted
And that Lorelei would be happy.
As I drew closer to the tree in the distance, the unruly, weed-filled ground gave way to a well-manicured field of grass bordered by lavender flowers. The moment my boots touched the grass, an immense wave of power washed over me, crackling through my veins and setting my teeth on edge.
I stared ahead at the towering tree, which had to soar at least a hundred feet into the air, and marveled at its beauty. Its limbs, heavy with bright green leaves and delicate white flowers, twisted and turned as they stretched out toward the heavens. From where I stood, the light brown bark appeared smooth and flawless, radiating a subtle, ethereal glow.
Lorelei’s words echoed in my mind:Over the course of a single day, it cycles through all four seasons.Judging by the vibrancy of the blooms, it seemed to be in spring at this moment.
The thought made my heart ache all over again. Loreleishould be here to witness this with me. The way the branches fanned out into delicate white buds, each glowing softly as if infused with magic. Sunlight kissed the petals, making them glitter like stardust. The floral scent filled the air, sweet and all-encompassing, leaving me momentarily breathless.
But I couldn’t allow myself to linger in awe. That’s not what I was here for. I was here to follow the Wise Ones’ instructions, to end this curse, and to save both our worlds.
Cautiously, I glanced around, expecting another attack from the cursed land. But nothing came. No ravens, no vines, no burning rain. The silence felt almost sacred as I closed the distance to the tree.
The base of the tree was massive, its trunk wider than I was tall. At its center, right at eye level, was a divot shaped perfectly to fit the Shadow Heart. To think this tree had stood here for thousands of years, waiting for someone to bring the right pieces to end the curse, made my blood boil.
How many of my ancestors had been slaughtered at the hands of a Faerie princess? How many lives were lost when the solution had been sitting here all along? The thought filled me with anger.
But deep down, I knew the truth. It wasn’t about just finding the pieces or coming to the tree. It wasn’t the right time until now. It took Dawn falling in love with Zander to shift the tides of this centuries-old war. It took Aribella and Stryker retrieving the Shadow Heart and Adrien and Isolde unraveling its secrets.
For reasons beyond my understanding, it had to be us—my brothers and our mates—to finally break this curse that hadtormented our worlds for millennia. I should feel honored to be part of this legacy, but instead, all I felt was fury.
Fury that I would never see Nellie again. Fury that I would never kiss Lorelei’s sweet lips again. Fury at the cruel fate that had brought us together only to tear us apart.
With a shuddering breath, I pulled the note from my pocket and scanned the instructions once more.
When you arrive, place the pieces of the Shadow Heart within the tree and drink the contents of the vial. Then, place your hand upon the trunk and surrender yourself to the curse. Only through this act can it be healed forever.
I crumpled the note in my fist, letting it fall to the ground.
It was time to end this once and for all.
Digging into my pack, I retrieved the cracked Shadow Heart, carefully holding its pieces together as I pressed them into the indentation on the tree.
The moment the black crystal touched the trunk, the broken pieces fused seamlessly, becoming whole again. A powerful gust of wind swept through the ravine, shaking the massive tree and scattering the flowers from its branches. As the wind howled around me, I watched in awe as the tree absorbed the Shadow Heart, sealing the indentation as though it had never existed.
Then, just as abruptly, the gale ceased, leaving an eerie, expectant silence in its wake.
I froze, watching as white petals floated gently to the ground, resting on my shoulders and in my hair.
Thump-thump. Thump-thump.
The rhythmic thudding of a strong heartbeat reached my ears. I leaned closer, pressing my ear to the smooth bark. The sound was coming from the tree itself.
Magic was undoubtedly at work, ancient and powerful. I couldn’t afford to hesitate—not with the curse already stirring, ready to strike again.
Reaching into my pocket, I retrieved the small vial. Its delicate glass gleamed in the faint light as I held it between my fingers. With a steadying breath, I pulled the cork free.
This was it. The final step. Drink the contents, place my hand on the tree, and it would all be over.
A sudden gust of wind whipped through the ravine, nearly knocking me off balance. I staggered, catching myself just in time.
Was that Lorelei’s voice?
Her distant cry carried over the hill, sharp and frantic. Was she okay? Were the bindings hurting her? Would she ever forgive me for what I’d done?
Did forgiveness even matter anymore?
“Fates, protect her all the days of her life,” I whispered, my voice trembling.
