Page 38 of Ruthless Kings of Vengeance
"We all wanted to protect you," Ares counters, a hint of something sharper entering his tone. "That didn't mean Zander had the right to make unilateral decisions about your care without consulting the rest of us."
True.
He’s not wrong i the slightest.
The territorial edge in his voice shouldn't please me as much as it does. Shouldn't send warmth cascading through my veins like liquid fire, awakening something primal and possessive in response.
But the truth is undeniable — I love how fiercely they all claim me, how their devotion transcends conventional boundaries and morality. How each of my Kings would sacrifice anything to keep me safe, would burn the world to ash rather than risk losing me again.
What have we become to each other?
I wonder while studying Ares' perfect features in the firelight.
What beautiful, terrible thing have we created in this obsession we share?
The questions have no simple answers, no clear moral conclusions. Only the certainty that whatever we've built together —this complex web of possession and protection, devotion and destruction —it's too late to untangle now.
Too late to do anything but embrace the beautiful madness we've created together.
The glorious chaos that defines our unconventional family of broken souls who found completion in each other's jagged edges.
"When do we leave?" I ask finally, decision crystallizing with perfect clarity as I meet his gaze.
His answering smile carries equal parts satisfaction and promise, recognition that I've chosen action over continued recovery. Battle over retreat.
"Whenever you're ready, Sweet Canary," he says softly, fingers threading through my shortened hair with reverent care.
I tilt my head back, enough so we can share a look because I know the moment we leave this moment of serenity, there’s no going back. No more calm o moments of recovery.
Only chaos and vengeance…
He smiles in encouragement, as if reading my mind, and I know whatever I decide, he’s going to follow through.
That’s reassuring enough to make me want to move forward and finally tackle what’s ahead.
Even if its frightening and the risks are higher than they’ve ever been, I know from this moment onward, we’ll either rise as a unit…or fall.
Regardless, we’ll be together.
"Your Kings are simply waiting for their Queen's command."
I smile at his words, nodding slowly before I lean in to kiss him firmly on the lips.
Secretly vowing that this won’t be our last.
7
ABSOLUTION AND PENANCE
~GEMINI~
I step into the spacious living room, my footsteps silent against the polished hardwood floor.
The faint ache in my side reminds me that I'm far from fully recovered, but I refuse to let vulnerability show in my posture or expression.
Not now, when so much depends on the strength I project.
Everyone is already waiting—my Kings arranged around the room in postures that speak volumes about their individual personalities and current emotional states.
