Page 50 of Heir of Broken Souls

Wonder coats Knox’s voice.I’m not sure what changed and why…but your power is our saving grace, Delilah.

Now is a time as good as any to tell him. The ethereal voice returned, right before my magic changed and I killed the demons, I admit.

The night of Ace’s death, I broke down, uncontrollably sobbing into Knox’s arms as I told him of the voice urging me to hurry. I told him of all the moments that came before then, too. I showed him in my mind, but Knox had no idea where it came from or what it could be. Whatever has been looking over my shoulder, trying to help me since the day I stepped into these magical lands, remains a mystery.

Knox straightens now, moving me with him.What did it say?

It’s time.

Knox falls silent, pensive. We relax into the moment, watching the cloud-like fog rolling through my mind, the golden power zipping throughout the room.

Eventually, he breaks the silence.We would have lost more than just Azalea today. Our army would have fallen if it weren’t for you. Knox gently caresses my cheek with the back of his fingers.Axel would be dead if it weren’t for you.

My heart plummets at the memory of finding him on the brink of death. But his words also remind me of yesterday, though it feels like forever ago now.

I fear that a sword might not be the only thing threatening to kill him, I admit softly.

Knox tenses around me before blowing out a shaky breath.Have we failed him? Have I failed him?

My brows furrow as I turn.No! Why would you say such a thing?

Because you’re right. He’s been drinking himself into such a drunk stupor I’m shocked he hasn’t died already. We need to put our foot down. His voice lowers, barely above a whisper.I should have put my foot down a long time ago.

I can’t leave him alone, Knox, I argue.I’d rather enable him than abandon him.

And I’d rather abandon him than bury another friend.

The words are like a physical blow. My body jolts backward and if it weren’t for Knox’s arm around me, I’d fall.

I’ve been too scared of losing Axel, of saying the wrong thing to make him take off again. But that very fear is what’s leading him to his death. It’s exactly as Harlow said.

I assigned him to Elysia today hoping it’d give him a purpose beyond himself. Maybe this’ll be a good first step.

I can’t help but snort.Gods, I have a feeling you’ll be regretting that choice soon.

He shakes his head.I can’t believe he tried to kill his mate.

I can, I answer honestly.

Knox turns to me with a playful scoff.You’re saying you can see yourself harming me?

What? Gods, no! I would never lay a finger on you. I’d rather kill myself before harming you.

Exactly. The bond is like no other. The very thought of their injured mate drives even the sanest of Fae wild, and yet Axel nearly pierced his sword through her heart.

I’m not saying it’s all right, I’m saying I can see where he was coming from. Did you not hear him? It was so guttural. I think all he saw in that moment was Hazel standing in front of him, not Elysia.

Knox drops his head to my shoulder.Gods, and what do we do about Hazel?

My body locks up tight, my breath catching in my throat. Knox hasn’t broached this subject with me yet.Why are you being so candid?I ask hoarsely.

Because I think it’s about time that we talked about her. I’m tired of walking on eggshells.

I never asked you to! I hiss.

And yet look at you. I merely mentioned her name and you’ve turned into a feral cat.

My eyes blaze with fire.Take it back.