Page 100 of Heart of the Cursed
“But it’s not best for us,” she whispered.
No, it wasn’t best for them. He wished there was another way, but there wasn’t. If they didn’t do the spell, then her life, and that of every Human and halfling in the realm, would continue to be in danger. He couldn’t put her through that. She had already dealt with enough. She deserved some peace and happiness in her life, even if it meant he wasn’t a part of it.
Unlike Taredd and Dain, Arun hadn’t told Selene how to get to his realm. Not because he didn’t care about her, but because he cared too much. No matter how much it pained him, she needed to be with her own kind. To finally have a place where she belonged. And as much as he would make her feel at home in his realm, he knew he would be the only one.
His kind wasn’t as accepting of others. Taredd and Dain’s realms were a lot more open and welcoming than his. Natalia and Amberly would be welcomed into their homes and families. It might take some time, but eventually, they would find their places. The same couldn’t be said for his realm.
“We…” he began, but stopped short when he saw a stranger emerge from the dense woodlands surrounding the stone circle.
The male scanned their group before his eyes settled on Selene.
Unaware of the newcomer, she leaned back in his arms so she could look up at him. When she saw that he was staring towards the woods, she turned her head and gasped.
“Selene,” the newcomer said, bowing his head to her. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”
Selene stepped out of Arun’s arms and faced the male. Arun wanted to pull her behind him so he could protect her, but he held off, waiting to see what the male would do.
“Who are you?” Selene demanded.
Gone was the scared and tearful Selene from moments ago. Stood before him now was the fierce warrior he’d come to know and love.
The male tilted his head to the side as he stared at her. “Hello, Selene, my name is Kolvar. I’m your father.”
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