Chapter 29

Chapter 29

Darius:

She didn’t see me at first.

The way the wind curled around her hair, the lake catching the last light like a silver mirror, the soft way she leaned toward him like she wanted to breach the space between them burned like fire under my skin.Kael’s fingers grazed hers, slow, like he had every right. Like he belonged there.He didn’t.

And when she turned and saw me, her breath caught. Guilt flickered in her eyes. Just for a second. Then it was gone, replaced by something colder—defensive.Watching her go on the defensive because of me made my heart clench but seeing her with Kael threatened to bring the beast in me.And I didn't know which one was worse. I didn't want her looking at me like that.“Alice,” I said, stepping out of the trees.Kael straightened. Of course, he didn’t move away. He just looked at me like he was daring me to make it a fight.“You followed me?” she asked, voice low.

“No,” I lied. “I came here to find you. Didn’t realize I’d be interrupting... whatever this is.”Kael’s jaw tensed. “Back off, Darius.”Of course he wanted me out of the way so jhe could continue from where he stopped. Maybe take things up a notch.But I will be damned before I leave both of them together, not if I can help it.I ignored him. My eyes stayed locked on hers. “You’re slipping away from me, Alice.”She flinched, like I’d struck her.

“You think I don’t see it?” I said, stepping closer. “Every time you choose him over me. Every time you shut me out and look to someone else for answers.”Her lips parted. “I’m not—”

“You are.” My voice cracked. “And it’s killing me.”I know we never made things exclusive or tried to but that didn't make it any less hurtful.Kael didn’t say anything. For once, he was smart enough to know this wasn’t about him.Alice exhaled sharply and stepped between us. “Stop. Both of you. This isn’t a pissing contest.”

“You made it one,” I snapped. “The second you let him touch you like that.”She stiffened. “Don’t you dare tell me what I’m allowed to feel.”“I’m not.” I dropped my voice. “But I need to know where we stand. Because I’m still standing in the same place I’ve always been—right next to you. Waiting.”Her eyes filled, and she looked away. “You don’t understand.”“Then help me.” I stepped forward until there was barely space between us. “Tell me. Tell me what she said.”Alice hesitated. Then, slowly, she did.

She told me about the Lunari Sect. The prophecy. The power inside her that could either save or destroy us all. She repeated her mother’s warning: Your choice will shape the end.I let it all sink in. The words. The weight. The terrifying truth that the girl I loved might be the deciding factor in whether we lived or died.And yet all I could see was her.Not the power. Not the prophecy. Not the goddess.Just Alice.

“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” I asked.“Because I didn’t want to see the fear in your eyes,” she whispered. “I didn’t want to be a weapon to you.”I cupped her face, my thumb brushing her cheek. “You’re not a weapon. You’re mine.”Something snapped in her. Maybe it was the weight of the day. Maybe it was the way I said it. Or maybe… maybe she just needed someone to choose her without hesitation.She reached for me, her hands threading into my shirt, pulling me down, and I didn’t resist.Our lips crashed together, desperate and unsteady.

She tasted like fire and fear and everything I’d ever wanted but thought I couldn’t have.Her hands trembled against me, but she didn’t let go—and neither did I. The kiss deepened, rougher now. Her body pressed against mine as if she needed to feel something real.Lost in the feeling of her warm body pressed against me and her mouth locked with mine, I forgot we had an audience until cleared his throat.

I broke away.“Could you excuse us for a moment Kael?’ I asked trying to annoy him and he growled back in challenge.“Seriously Kael, give us some space. The universe knows I need this.”Hearing her had my head snapping up on surprise. I didn't expect her to do that. “Are you sure?”“Yeah. Are you?”

I didn't say anything. I just took her lips again, giving her a brutal kiss. From the corner of my eye, I could see the anger written all over Kael’s face before he stormed off.I broke the kiss again. “Alright, I guess you did that to get him out of your hair. He is gone now.”Her brows shot up. “You think I said that to get rid of him?”“Well…” I shrugged. “I don't know what to think most of the time. A few moments ago, you were just inches away from kissing him.”

The hurt that flashed across her face had my heart twisting, like someone was trying to pull it out.One moment it was there, the next it was gone. If I hadn't being staring at her face up close, I could've missed it.“I see. Maybe I was wrong about this whole thing. See you later Darius.” As she moved to leave, I grabbed her wrist. The moment I did that, the look she gave me could've withered any other man. But I wasn't any other man.“Let go of me this instant.”

It only goes to show how right I was in my deduction of her emotions. But even as she gave me the stink eye, I just held on tight.“I swear if you don't let me go, I will–”“Please save the threats for those that really deserve it.” I cut in before she could finish whatever she had on her tongue.

“And you think you don't deserve more than just threats?” She asked, looking at me like she was just moments away from barbecuing me.“Look I'm sorry if my words came out hurtful. I really want to do this but I wasn't sure if you were down.”
“Well, you don't have to worry about that now, because I'm totally turned off.” I pulled her hand from my hold and tried to walk away.But I grabbed her again, wheeling her around. And before she could open her mouth to protest, I leaned in and kissed her.The moment our lips touched, her mouth opened to welcome my tongue and I dove in like a man thirsty.For a while, we were locked in on the kiss until I finally pulled back to catch my breath and to take a look at her face.

“Stay.” I whispered as the daze on her face cleared.

“But…”

“No buts. You can't imagine how much I've wanted you all this time. Its crazy. I need you like I might die the next moment if I don't have you.”For a moment she stared at me, her mouth wide open. Then she finally closed her eyes for a moment.I could've sworn my heart fell into my stomach at the rejection on her lips but then the corner of her lips kicked up as a teasing smile graced her features.

“Why don't you show me how much you want me?”I blinked for a moment unable to believe my ears but then I mirrored the look on her face. “Gladly.”