Chapter 75 After the Storm
Amara’s POV
Slowly, I opened my eyes. At first, the world was hazy, and I felt as though my body wasn't mine. Each faint breath scraped against my ribs as my chest rose and fell.
"Amara!" A powerful voice pierced the mist.
Rowan's normally tough countenance cracked with fear as his face hovered over me, eyes wide. My cheek was clasped by his hand.
"Rowan." It was hardly more than a whisper when I spoke.
His voice trembled as he said, "You're alive." "You're still here, Moon Goddess."
Tears streamed down my cheeks, burning my eyes. My voice pleading for death and the Witch's sinister presence inside me suddenly returned. I buried my forehead in his chest, shuddering.
I cried and gripped his tunic with shaking fingers, saying, "I'm sorry." "I really apologise. I nearly let her ruin everything. I nearly"
"Don't," he interrupted, in a firm yet kind tone He encircled me with both arms, gripping me firmly as if he would never release me. "Avoid blaming yourself. No one could have fought as hard as you did. You returned to us."
I couldn't stop crying. I immersed myself in his arms even more. However, I was frail. She took advantage of me. I might have harmed you. I might have harmed Kian. I'm not worthy of your"
"Enough!" Rowan drew away just enough to meet my eyes. He clenched his jaw. "Every bit of love and devotion we give you is something you deserve. Amara, you're not weak. I've never met someone as strong as you."
"The guilt that clung to my chest was broken by his words, which ripped through me. Nevertheless, I was still plagued by the vision of my blacked eyes and the Witch speaking through my mouth.,
My voice cracked as I said quietly, "I was so scared." "I'm afraid you won't see me anymore, because all you would see when you looked at me is her."
Rowan touched my cheek with his thumb. "I'll see you forever. Just you. Nothing can separate us, not even Lilith.
I shook and sobbed quietly as I pressed my face against his. I gave myself permission to breathe and believe what he was saying for the first time in what seemed like forever.
"Make me a promise," I said. "Assure me you won't ever let me go."
He gave me a gentle kiss on the temple. "I swear. I will hold you even if the entire planet burns."
Even though I was in excruciating pain, I felt entire again when I was in his arms. However, I couldn't get rid of the nagging suspicion that this was just the quiet before something more terrible.
I slowly raised my head. With his powerful arm across my shoulders, Rowan assisted me in sitting up. At that moment, I noticed Kian seated a short distance away.
He didn't give me a look. Dark rings shadowed his eyes as they remained riveted on the floor. His hands were gripped tightly, knuckles white, on his knees. His entire figure appeared frozen, remote, and carved out of stone.
"Kian." As I uttered his name, my voice broke.
He gave a tiny flinch, but he kept his head turned.
Rowan looked at him and scowled. "She's awake, Kian. She is secure."
Kian, however, did not move. He mumbled, "Safe for now, and released a trembling breath."
I swallowed hard, feeling guilty again. "I I-I apologise, Kian. I am aware of the things she forced me to say and do. Peek at me, please."
He clenched his jaw. His eyes raised at last, but they were tormented when they met mine. "Are you aware of what it was like?" He spoke in a rough, low voice. Do you hear her talking through you? Knowing it wasn't you but still seeing your body move? I thought we lost you, Amara. I had the thought— He interrupted himself as his words faltered."
Ignoring the anguish in my body, I moved closer. I dismissed Rowan's attempt to steady me. Kian resisted my attempt to touch him, as though it might cause burns.
I said, "Kian, please." I was the one battling her, each second. I never gave up battling.
He shook his head and squeezed his eyes shut. "Amara, I prayed. I never prayed so fervently. Even yet, I nearly saw you disappear forever. What does that do to a man's soul, do you know?"
My eyes welled up with tears once more. He backed away and stood this time when I reached for him.
Rowan stood up as well, his voice piercing. "Kian, she needs you. Don't abandon her just yet."
Kian's shoulders were unsteady. His face contorted in agony as he turned. "I require time. I am unable to— His voice broke as he stopped. I'm not yet able to touch her. Not after what I witnessed."
His words were icier than any sword and pierced deep. “Kian…” I said, my chest aching.
However, with his form partially illuminated by the fire outside, he approached the tent's shadows. He didn't go, but he also didn't approach.
The crackle of flames was the only sound to break the heavy silence between us. To protect me from the hurt that pervaded the air, Rowan held me closer.
The tent's flap suddenly flew open. A scout stumbled in, his clothes ripped, his face white with fear, and he was gasping for air.
"My lady my lords!" he said. "Lilith has succeeded! Every dark coven has been gathered by her. All of them are marching here for a last offensive!"
My blood became icy. Rowan's hold became firmer. Kian's head jerked up, and gloomy resolution filled his troubled eyes.
I realised then that the storm was far from ended. It was just getting started.
The final conflict was looming, and none of us would be spared this time.