Page 48 of Emylia

“I’ll make you a deal. Let go of your trust issues for one afternoon.Trust me,and I promise you won’t regret it.”

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. “That sounds idiotic.”

Maalikai winked. He actuallywinkedat me. “No, it sounds like an adventure.”

I swallowed hard as I fought the effect his words were having on me.

Without judgment, Maalikai extended his hand, an offer of truce. “The question is, are you brave enough to go on this adventure with me?”

My heart ricocheted. What would it mean if I took Maalikai’s hand? What would it mean if I allowed myself to trust him?

Against my better judgment, I faltered, giving in. Hesitantly, I reached forward, the tips of my fingers brushing against his. A cold gulp of air punched into my chest.

It was only one afternoon.

What was the worst that could happen?

Completely giving into temptation, I embraced the warmth of Maalikai’s hand, my fingers gliding between his until they could go no further. Until his hand imprisoned mine. And what a glorious prison it was.

Maalikai lifted his head, a high-pitched whistle breaking through the silence. Two seconds later, the sound of hooves spraying up the loamy earth broke the silence.

What in Nexus?

I spun on the spot, my eyes catching a blur of black; a beautiful contrast to the splashed speckles of flowers, littering the field. A gasp escaped me as I looked at the stallion, taking several steps forward; almost all of my chaotic emotions momentarily forgotten.

A halo graced the tip of the stallion’s head in an unearthly glow as the sun began to wane in the sky; the dying sunlight caught its thick, glossy coat, making it shine in absolute splendor. It was the most magnificent creature I’d ever seen.

The sight of Maalikai standing beside his jet-black horse sucked all the air from my lungs. They looked carved from the same shadow–sleek, powerful, untouchable. His silhouette, all sharp lines and stillness, mirrored the creature’s grace with eerie precision.

Hesitantly, I reached out to the magnificent beast, letting my fingers trail along the curve of its back. The muscle beneath its coat twitched at my touch, but it didn’t pull away.

“He’s beautiful.” I breathed, surprised by the softness in my voice–by how easily the truth had escaped.

The honesty startled me. And worse–I caught Maalikai watching me. Not just looking,watching. Like I’d cracked open and he could see straight through the fracture.

No.

Absolutely not.

I snatched my hand back like I’d been burned and took a step away.

The chill in my voice was sharp enough to maim. “Don’t look at me like that. I said your horse was pretty, not you.”

A flicker passed through his expression–amusement, maybe. Or disappointment. I didn’t care.

At least that’s what I told myself as I crossed my arms.

“And for your information,” I added, tone flat, arms still folded tight across my chest, “I’m not impressed by brooding men and pretty horses. Whatever this is–whatevergameyou think you’re playing–it’s not working. Not even a little.”

I met his gaze, daring him to look at me like he meant it. Like hebelievedhe could ruin me.

His smile came slow. Infuriating. The kind of smirk you wanted to wipe off someone’s face with your fist.

“I wasn’t trying to impress you,” he said, voice smooth–like silk dragged over steel. “And just so we’re clear–this isn’t a game.”

He stepped closer, not touching me, but close enough that I could feel the air shift between us. His gaze locked onto mine, steady and unflinching, like he was memorizing every crack in my armor.

“I don’t want part of you,” he murmured. “I wantallof you–the rage, the bite, the pieces you keep buried.” The breath caught in my throat, but he didn’t stop. “And Iwillunravel you. Every last knot you’ve twisted around yourself. Not to break you…” He leaned in just slightly, voice a thread of heat and shadow. “…but to show you what it feels like to be seen–and still wanted.”

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