Chapter 12 Uncovered Secrets
Amara’s POV
The heat was licking my face as I sat by the fire, yet I was still shivering. The dim glow from my tattoo on my wrist was like a silent warning that I couldn't quite make out. Sitting opposite me, Kian was honing his blade. He didn't say anything immediately, but his troubled eyes darted to me.
At last, I was unable to tolerate it any longer. "Kian," I said, "we need to discuss... this."
He stopped, dropped the knife, and looked at me. "How about?"
"Don't tell lies," I said. I had a constricted throat. "The connection. I sensed it.
His jaw tightened as he averted his look. There was a crackling sound from the fire.
"Kian," I demanded. "Be honest with me. Didn't you also feel it snap?
After exhaling deeply, he nodded at last. Indeed. The second bond between mates. It's true. For balance, the Moon selected both of us.
I took a deep breath. My chest contorted as I spoke. "So I'm just supposed to be yours now, too?"
He jerked his head up. "No," he replied angrily. Don't say it that way. It has nothing to do with ownership. I would never— He paused and used one hand to wipe his face. "I won't coerce you, Amara. Never. This wasn't my choice. You didn't either.
My eyes hurt with tears. "But you desire it."
He shut his eyes. Indeed. I desire you. Not due to the bond. Due to you. Because, despite what you may believe, you are strong. Because you're prepared to defend those who don't deserve it.
I laughed, a little shakily, but it sounded bitter. "You give it a noble sound."
With his elbows resting on his knees, he leaned forward. "Yes, it is. Yes, you are. However, I am aware of your confusion. I'll wait as well. For however long it takes.
I blinked back tears as I glanced down at my hands. I had the sensation that my heart was being tugged in two different directions. "Kian... I also sense it. The connection. It is present. But everything is so complicated. You, Rowan, everything.
He put a warm, solid hand over mine. "I understand."
I wiped my eyes and sniffed. "I'd rather not be someone's prize."
His eyes were burning as he shook his head. "You're not. You are a queen. A priestess. My equal.
I wanted to believe as I looked at him, my heart racing.
The wind outside shook the windows. Out in the distance, a wolf howled. I shuddered.
Kian's tone grew softer. "I won't press you. I'll fight by your side. Keep you safe. However, Amara, the decision is always yours. Always.
Slowly, I nodded. I sounded unpolished. "I'm grateful."
He gave a sorrowful smile. "Acquire some rest. Tomorrow is a big day.
However, neither of us made any movement. We both knew that nothing was simple anymore as we sat there in silence while the fire crackled.
Rowan's boots banged against the healer's hut's hardwood floor elsewhere. Mira dropped the bundle of herbs she had been sifting with a start.
"Rowan!" she scolded. "You cannot simply walk in like that!"
His eyes were flaming as he ignored her. "Explain the mark on her wrist to me."
Mira squinted her eyes. She stooped to retrieve her herbs. "You'll need to be more detailed."
"The mark of the Moon Priestess," he snarled. "The one that lights up her skin." The one she received following your adoption of her.
She approached him fearlessly and stood up slowly. "You witnessed it?"
He lowered his voice. When Lilith sent her message, it burned. She clutched it as if it were killing her.
With a groan, Mira threw the herbs on the table. "Now you're curious about how to break it? Can the Moon be undone?
Rowan winced. "I'd like to comprehend it. I want to protect her.
Mira crossed her arms. "Safe? You turned her down. Exiled her. While you watched, let your little witch accuse her of curses.
He didn't back down even though his face turned pale. "I understand. And till the day I die, I will regret it. I must therefore know. Please.
Mira's eyes slightly softened. Rowan, it's not a curse. It's a boon. At one point, it was. At every era, the Moon selects a Priestess—a woman powerful enough to wield its power and restore the planet. The Hollow Witch, however, wishes to taint it. Utilise that strength to win.
Rowan took a deep breath. "So, the secret to everything is Amara."
Mira gave a nod. She is. Consequently, you are not her owner. Nobody does.
Then he laughed harshly. "You believe I'm unaware of that? But I own her. She was always.
Mira's look flickered. "Let her decide if you love her."
Rowan slumped. His voice broke. "She will never pick me."
Mira let out a sigh. In every case, assist her in fighting. It's your only option.
Rowan blinked hard and turned aside.
Lilith leaned over a black mirror far away, in the icy darkness of her lair. Blood trickled from her fingers onto its gleaming exterior. The liquid swirled with shadow and spread like a living thing.
She growled, "Show me."
The surface of the mirror wavered.
And there I was, Kian and I sitting by the fire, our hands clasped together. My eyes were swollen from tears.
Lilith smiled cruelly, her lips twisting.
She purred, "Poor little Priestess." "So conflicted. So brittle. So simple to break.
She inclined herself toward the mirror.
"Child, while you can, dream of love. You will plead for your life when I come to get you.
She was surrounded by shivering, blood-hungry shadows.