Page 94 of A Kingdom of Wild and Power
And then, at last, he whispered the truth.
Eris released him immediately, shoving him back and watching with open satisfaction as Death itself collapsed against the cold grey stone.
‘Have fun preparing my wedding,’ she said lightly, blowing Persephone a kiss.
She kicked Thanatos once in passing, then turned on her heel and walked out of the throne room, her laughter echoinglong after she was gone.
I never wanted to fall in love.
Falling in love means being vulnerable. Of no longer being just one, but instead, becoming two. And it’s hard to not lose oneself in the becoming of two. But the real problem is when you are suddenly stripped of the one person you chose to be vulnerable to. You shredded every layer of yourself, and you were made to believe that you were enough. And then, just like that, it all falls apart. The one person you thought that had seen your vulnerability and had loved you anyway, is the very person that turns around and walks away. Leaves you alone with that vulnerability. Leaves you alone in a world that wishes to crush you.
They promised to be the shield that would protect you.
And yet they became the very blade that stabbed you.
Tabitha Wysteria
Dawn followed the procession back towards the mountains, the path narrowing until they slipped through jagged openings in the rock like wounds carved into stone. She halted at the threshold, her feet rooted to the sand, staring into the tight, lightless passage beyond. The darkness yawned before her, close and suffocating, and every instinct urged her not to enter.
Kai reached for her hand and gave a sharp tug, but she wrenched herself free, teeth clenched.
‘Not scared, are you?’ he teased, nodding towards the passage. Alina and Mareena had already disappeared inside with the king, while several Dunayans lingered behind, waiting for Dawn and Kai to move. ‘You’re holding up the queue.’
‘You are not funny.’
‘That’s odd. I was always told I was the funny sibling.’
Dawn shoved past him and glanced up at the towering mountain above, its vast shadow pressing down on them. ‘What if it collapses?’ she muttered. ‘What if it all comes crashing down on us?’
Kai leaned in close, his breath brushing her ear, warm and maddening. ‘Then you’ll use your magic and save us.’
She shot him a glare. ‘Don’t be ridiculous. I’m not powerful enough to stop a mountain from falling.’ She glanced back, making sure the Dunayans hadn’t overheard, then jabbed her elbow into his ribs. Kai grunted, and she smiled despite herself.
‘I think you might be,’ he said softly, amusement threaded with something far more serious.
Dawn narrowed her eyes. ‘Do not think I won’t shrink your genitals, commander.’
‘You wouldn’t dare.’ Kai stuck his tongue out, utterly unrepentant. ‘How would you enjoy them then?’
She felt heat creep up her cheeks, but she straightened her spine and lifted her chin. ‘I haven’t had the pleasure yet.’
‘And you never will if you shrink them,’ he said lightly, winking. ‘That would be a tragedy. I’ve been told on many occasions that they’re rather lovely to hold.’
Dawn opened her mouth to fire back something vicious, but the two Dunayans behind them cleared their throats, patience clearly worn thin. With a sigh, Kai caught her hand again and gestured towards the narrow opening with his free one.
‘After you.’
She shot him a glare but shook her head.
‘Who knew something so simple could frighten you?’
Her jaw clenched. Oh, how badly she wanted to wipe the amusement off his face. Instead, she ducked into the passage, the walls closing in so tightly her shoulders nearly brushed the stone. She did not let go of Kai’s hand, no matter how loudly her pride protested.
‘For your information,’ she muttered, forcing her thoughts elsewhere, ‘being wary of something dangerous is perfectly natural.’
‘Is it?’ Kai replied easily from behind her. ‘I wouldn’t know. Nothing scares me.’
Dawn scoffed, rolling her eyes. She couldn’t see him, but she could feel his presence at her back, steady and warm. His grip tightened around her fingers, and she wasn’t sure whether it was instinct or concern that made him do it.
