Page 105 of Secrets & Curses of Fate

She frowned at me as I lay down facing her but scooted closer so she could snuggle back into me. I wrapped my hands around her as Brim’s words swarmed through me.

Will you be able to live with yourself when you completely destroy her?

I had to be. I didn’t have a choice; the fates were already broken. I had already fitted them back together in such a way that Della would not escape the coming destruction. I never said I was a good man. Della just wanted to believe that I was, and that was the start of her downfall.

I closed my eyes, and Della’s black, soulless eyes haunted me like they knew everything I had done. My mating bond burned at the thought of my betrayal that hadn’t even happened yet. But I would not let something silly like a mating bond ruin the plans that had been set in place long before Della ever met me.

We all make sacrifices, and Della would be mine. Because there wasn’t a doubt in my mind that she would leave me as soon as she fit the pieces together. She would never forgive me.

But the heavens, stars, and gods needed to be punished.

And their penance was going to be giving up their favorite goddess to me.

This was the only way. This was not only about me. Others were depending on me. I opened my eyes and watched Della sleeping. Maybe she would understand. Maybe she wouldn’t leave me when she understood what the stars and gods did to me—to us. Even if I wanted to stop this, the others would never allow it. They would go after Della if they found out I was mated to her.

And even though I was a heartless prick, I did not want her to be harmed in that way. Damn it. This love for her was turning into a fucking weakness. I rubbed my hand down my face before feeling the other’s lurking close by. Fuck. I slid out of bed asgently as I could so Della did not wake up. I slipped on my clothes and used my magic to take me outside.

They were all standing in the woods outside of my home. All of them slipped their hoods off, and I glared at them.

“What?” I snapped.

Mateo stepped forward and sneered at me, his eyes flashing red.

“We thought we should check in with you, since you haven’t tried to reach out to us. Are we still on track?”

My eyes narrowed on Mateo because he was my least favorite of them.

“Yes.”

“Are you sure? You seem to be very cozy with Della—again. Do we need to make a point to you like we did last time?”

I didn’t answer him.

“This time when we kill you, we will make sure that Remiah dies with you. Della will not save her like she did with Holden.”

I stepped forward, pissed beyond reason.

“You had no right to hurt Holden.”

Mateo lifted his hands up in defense.

“I thought it was you. You were twins, after all. It was an honest mistake.”

“You’re a fucking liar.” I hissed at him. “I would think that you can tell who yourbrotheris.”

Mateo rolled his eyes.

“Who gives a shit, Haden? If everything goes to plan, then what is the death of one fae?”

“He is off limits, and so is every one of them in that family,” I warned.

Elra stepped forward.

“They aren’t your family. We are.” She reminded me. “You need to be more worried about us—not that fake family and definitely not that bitch goddess, Ardella.”

Her green eyes gleamed when I clenched my jaw with irritation.

“I am on track. Della has no idea what is happening.”

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