Page 113 of To Vanquish Darkness

He did want to die, to be released from his curse. He’d just left out the part about taking her with him.

“If you’re not asking for forgiveness, what are you asking for?” Her voice trembled, and she flinched as Theo pressed a finger to her chin, tugging her face back to his.

“Will you look at me, please?” Theo’s voice rumbled through her, warmth flooding her veins.

No, rang out in her head, but her body refused to listen. Her chin tipped up, her eyes finding his.

Theo’s expression was soft. Pained. “I only want you to understand.”

“I understand plenty.”

His eyes shuttered, his thumb tracing along the edge of her jaw. “Indulge me, then.” Amalie’s breath caught as his fingers trailed beneath her ear lobe, feathering down the side of her neck. "I've watched this play out twice before. I’ve watched you fight. I’ve watched you be brave. You were born with strength Amalie, and you won’t be dissuaded. I’ve always admired that about you.” He exhaled, his tongue flicking over his lips. “The problem is, she won’t stop either.”

She.Helena. Amalie’s pulse quickened.

Theo paused, his jaw working. “I’ve tried to be honorable. I’ve tried to be brave. You asked me to protect your family, and I did—I have. But I don’t believe in the prophecy, Amalie. Not anymore. The relationship between vampires and guardians will never be healed, the light will never bond with shadow. It’s you and me. That’s all. And I don’t want to see you suffer—I can’t—” his voice caught, and he gritted his teeth.

His words floated around her, barely sinking in.The prophecy.Theo had never mentioned a prophecy, but as the word left his lips, her memory flared.

Theo’s downcast eyes.Your blood gave power to those who drank it. We had a friend who wanted it for herself.

Oren looking between her and Theo in the dining room.You believe it is her?

I know it.

The smirk on Ren’s lips.I was wrong. Then. But I’m not now . . .That’s how I knew she was the one.

The scrawled text in her mother’s book.Until the Day of Light, guardians will wait. They will serve. They will protect. And when she who is sent to bind appears, they will follow.

Power.

She was the one.

I know it.

“When was I born, Theo?” Amalie worked to clear the lump in her throat.

Theo stilled. “Which time?”

Her lip trembled. “You know what I’m asking.”

Theo cupped his hand over her cheek. “Amalie?—”

“Answer me. Please.” Tears spilled over onto her cheeks, and he searched her eyes.

He opened his mouth, then closed it, his fingers trembling against her skin. “Don’t make me say it.”

“Please, Theo.”

“I love you,” he whispered, kissing her temple. “I have to save you.”

She exhaled in a rush. “I don’t think you can save me from this.” The truth of it settled over her in layers.She who was sent to bind.What did any of it mean?

“I want to. I can.” Theo pulled back and dropped to the ground, picking up the sword. “All of this can be over.”

She shook her head. “Theo?—”

“This isn’t a game, Amalie!” His face twisted in anguish. Amalie’s ribs seemed to pierce her lungs. Theo gritted his teeth. “You were born on the Day of Light. You hold power never before seen, and still, she took you from me. It’s been over two thousand years, and the rift has never been repaired. We have fought together, and we have failed.”

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