Page 52 of Fallen Court

A retort died on my lips as I stared into his eyes, finding only sincerity.

But he had to want more than that after all this time. “And if you’re wrong, if I’m not what you think I am?”

“I know exactly who you are, Cate. The ring changes nothing between us.”

But that was a lie. “Yes, it does.”

Lach’s jaw worked for a second before he released me and started forward again. “Will you ever believe me?” he asked as I caught up to him. “Or will you hold the bargain against me forever?”

The anguish in his voice threatened to undo me, but I held firm. “You know that I have a point. It’s not just about the ring or the Terra Court. You think I’m fae.” I struggled to even say the word. “You’ve thought that the whole time! How can you love me?”

“I’m beginning to wonder,” he grunted, shaking his head.

“You don’t even know me.” Yes. Fighting felt right, or at least easier.

He twisted toward me, the anger in his eyes blazing. “Maybe I don’t. Because I thought you were fearless, but you’re acting like a coward.”

I flinched, his words hitting too close to the mark. “Say. That. Again.”

“Cate.” He hesitated, his eyelids shuttering. “I’m sorry—”

“Say it again, Gage,” I cut him off. “I dare you.”

He rubbed the back of his neck, wincing like the brand of the Wild Hunt stung.

We fell silent again, moving more quickly, both ready for the shelter of the Avalon. The hotel glowed in the night like a welcoming beacon, promising a reprieve from the tangle of information ensnaring us. Because what was there left to say? I knew everything now, and it would change things between us. Because how long would he love me if he survived the Hunt? When I proved to be fragile and fleeting and human? I barely managed to choke back a sob.

His expression softened, his fury dying out like an ember as we reached the front steps where we first met. That night felt like a lifetime ago. In a way, it was.

“What about the magic?” he asked.

“What about it?” I blinked, confused.

“The mating bond won’t seal without selfless love,” he said, his voice hoarse.

“What has magic ever done for me?” I ignored his pleading eyes, ignored the ache swelling inside me, and raced up the staircase.

Shadows swept toward the revolving door like he might use his magic to stop me. But before they reached it—before I reached it—it spun to reveal Ciara, arms crossed and glaring, the family signet glinting on her finger.

“You’ve got some explaining to do.”

Chapter Fourteen

Lach

“Can it wait?” Cate tipped her head in my direction. “I need to sleep, and then I have dibs on killing your brother.”

Ciara paused, her forehead creasing before she nodded. “Understood.”

But she pulled Cate into a tight hug, then tossed a haughty smirk over Cate’s shoulder before pulling away and vanishing inside.

Unbelievable.

“First her. Now you. Everybody talks a big game about saving me from the Wild Hunt but only so they can kill me,” I grumbled as we stepped into the marble lobby. It was nearly midnight, and the night clerk glanced up with a frown, paling when he saw me. He promptly disappeared into the back office.

“And what does that tell you?” Cate whispered as we crossed to the bank of elevators. “Don’t worry. I have plenty of things to tell your sister that will distract her.”

The doors slid open, and I held a hand across the threshold, keeping my voice low in case any more staff were nearby. “You can’t tell anyone about the Terra Court.”