Page 93 of Her Dark Promise

“Don’t lie.”

“He is still brooding.”

Of course, he was. I scoffed because I expected nothing less.

The heat helped to thaw my toes enough to be able to move them slightly, getting circulation through my veins. A cup entered my eyesight which was being held out by a worried Emilia.

Why was everyone so worried?

“I am not thirsty.”

“It’s hot tea. I added a few herbs from the greenhouse to help aid in your recovery,” Emilia said softly.

“You know better than anyone that I am a few moments from being healed.”

“Humor us, please,” Soren pressed.

I lifted my hand through the blanket and took the mug. I sniffed it, peppermint. I took a sip and allowed the scalding tonic to work its magic and fix me because, apparently, my magic wasn’t enough.

I stared into the fire, watching the flames as I heard Callum and Soren settle themselves. Emilia stayed kneeling at my side.

I knew there was much to talk about and handle and I didn’t want to disappoint her, but the trek to the cottage wouldn’t be possible until the snow cleared slightly. It was too dangerous in these conditions. Not admitting, even to myself, that I was relieved she would be delayed.

“Your majesty…” I glanced at her from the side. “I am not going to leave until the snow clears.”

I breathed a sigh of relief and then wondered if she had powers and could read minds.

“You’re leaving?” Callum asked.

She looked over to him, explaining, “Her Majesty has graciously accepted my offer of being the new go-between for the children.”

“But–”

“But nothing, Callum.”

“Is this about us?” Soren wasn’t asking me. Emilia looked at him and then quickly looked away. “Please don’t leave on our account. This is your home. We can stay away from you… We can…” His voice trailed off.

Her head was bowed. “I can’t live here with the sons of that man, and you can’t leave. It’s either you stay or you die.”

We were both looking at Soren as he stood and walked over to us, determination set in his features. Emilia tensed the closer he came.

“I am so very sorry, and I know that doesn’t make up for what happened, but maybe…” He took a deep breath. “Take my life.”

I sat up straighter. What was he doing?

Emilia’s mouth opened in shock. “Pardon?”

“I am not my father, but I’m close enough. If that’s what it will take for you to receive the justice that you deserve then so be it.”

He produced a knife from under his shirt and presented it to her. She stared down at it as he took her hand and placed it into her palm, closing her hand over the handle. Soren then brought it up until the blade lined up with his heart.

No one said anything. Was this actually happening? Soren was going to be a sacrificial lamb for his father’s sins? I couldn’t allow Soren to die, and I wouldn’t allow Emilia to go down my path—allow her heart to be tainted forever.

Before I could stop her, she let go of the knife and leaned into him, her head on his shoulder as she sobbed. My body relaxedwhile I sat there staring at Soren, who hesitantly placed his hand on her back and stroked it tenderly.

I bundled myself closer to the fire, wanting to give them space to have their moment, healing wounds from a man who deserved to be six feet under. I made a silent promise that the next human I killed would be that man. I didn’t know how, but I’d do it. He’d hurt Emilia, and he’d hurt my boys.

Your boys?Circe’s voice teased.

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