Page 98 of Fated for Dawn

I faltered, my flames flickering.

“You’re right,” I whispered, the truth slamming into me.

We were doing this all wrong.

Eris fed on chaos. Fighting her, striking her down—it wouldn’t save Lia, and it wouldn’t save the world either; Eris would just find another vessel.

Our plan of trapping her had failed.

But there was another way.

I raised my head from the chaos around me so I could look at my mates on the far end of the battlefield. Their strained expressions were the result of lending me their energy. They trusted me with their lives. Zade’s expression caught my eye. He seemed conflicted, his grip tightening around his sword as he placed a hand on Rafe’s shoulder. He didn’t want Lia dead either. Yet, he was trusting me, too.

I turned back to Eris. “I have a better offer.”

Eris tilted her head, her curiosity momentarily overtaking her rage. “Oh?”

I shifted back to my human form, stepping forward. Flames coiled around me, simmering just beneath my skin.

I knew what I had to do.

The thought of the pain it would cause my mates made my heart ache, but I had no choice. Hecate had always said a sacrifice would be required. I hadn’t understood what she meant—not until last night, lying awake, staring at the ceiling as it finally clicked.

The balance must be restored. What was split in two must become whole again.

Of course. It had always been this.

This was why Morgana had killed my parents. Why she had tried to kill me. I wasn’t just reborn by chance—I was reborn to end the imbalance.

As soon as I realized it, I texted Adrien, working out a Plan B—a last resort. But I had hoped we wouldn’t need it, that our first plan would be enough.

But now, I had to accept it.This was the price only I could pay.

“Take me instead,” I said, my heart pounding. “My body, my power, my lineage. You’d be unstoppable.”

Flames roared to life around me, an inferno blazing at my command, proof of the raw power flowing through my veins.

Eris’s eyes gleamed with hunger. “You would offer yourself?”

I nodded, forcing myself to remain steady. “Free Lia. Take me as your vessel instead.”

Gasps and shock reverberated across the battlefield. I felt my mates freeze in terror through the bond.

Eris stilled, her eerie, knowing gaze locked onto mine. “You would offer yourself? Justlikethat?”

I swallowed hard but didn’t look away. “To free Lia, yes.”

She tilted her head and narrowed her eyes. “And why would I trade a vessel I already possess for one that is—what? Morepowerful? You were the one destined to destroy me. And now youofferyourself? Tell me, Hecate’s champion, why shouldn’t I assume this is a trap?”

“Because you’re right,” I said, keeping my voice even. “Iwasdestined to destroy you. But now I understand that I can’t. Not without killing Lia, and I won’t do that.”

Eris studied me, her lips curling. “And I’m just supposed to believe you’d rather surrender to me than end this battle another way?”

“I’m not surrendering,” I said firmly. “I’m making a choice. A sacrifice.” I stepped closer, flames licking at my skin but not burning me. “You want chaos? Imagine what you could do with me. Withthis.” I spread my arms, letting the fire crackle around me, heat radiating in waves.

The hunger in her gaze sharpened, and she licked her lips, considering. “A phoenix…a true rebirth. No more weak mortal shell. No more limitations.” Her voice was almost reverent. A slow, delirious smile spread across her face. “Oh, you foolish, noble creature.” She laughed, low and victorious. “Very well. I accept.”

“Evelyn, no!” Rafe’s voice echoed across the battlefield.

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