Page 138 of Rising Out of the Darkness
“You’re right, Liam.” I lowered my eyes in shame. “I really haven’t given her that freedom since day one. I just don’t know how to release that control, how to stop the overwhelming need to shield her from those who might hurt her. People like me.”
“Again, don’t you think it’s up to her to decide who she loves?” He deadpanned.
I swallowed deeply, trying not to be shaken by his words.Damn.
Could she truly love me? Gods knew that I needed her more than I needed air. That she’d invaded my every thought, every dream. That love was not a strong enough word for the way that I adored her.
Liam cleared his throat. “Dec, I think it’s about time you start believing that you’re worthy of love, and that you’re capable of returning it as well. You deserve to be happy. I believe Elena will be the one to finally show you it’s possible.”
Climbing to his feet, he extended his hand. After I allowed him to help me up, I embraced him, slapping his back.
“Thank you for always putting up with me, for always reminding me when I’m not thinking straight.”
“Anytime, brother.” He smirked. “I knew what I was getting into when I was asked to work with the ‘willful’ prince.”
I shoved him in the shoulder, causing him to roar with laughter. His mirth was enough to make me chuckle as well.
“Come on.” He motioned towards the castle. “We better get ready. I have a feeling it’s going to be an eventful evening.”
Me too, brother. Me too.
Chapter 54
Elena
“Lena! All eyes are going to be on you tonight.” Clara whistled, and Eloise’s grin sparkled just as bright behind me. “I’m going to thoroughly enjoy watching Declan’s face when you step into the ballroom. With that dress, you might stop his heart,” she snorted. “Good thing I’m a Healer.”
My cheeks heated from her appraisal, and the idea of the way I looked influencing anyone, especially Declan. “You really think this will make a difference? Changing Declan’s mind doesn’t exactly seem like a task that’s easily accomplished.” A nervous twinge swirled inside the pit of my stomach.
Clara and Eloise exchanged a mischievous smile. “Oh,” Clara hummed, “something tells me that tonight, you won’t have any problems at all.”
They provided me with a lightness I desperately needed. As they went back to work finishing my hair, I snuck a glance at myself in the mirror.
Since the day in the ballroom, my freckles had yet to stop shining, only fading slightly in the following days. I was more comfortable staying out of the spotlight. These were going to do quite the opposite.
However, tonight was about shedding my fears. It was about being bold, giving in to my strength, going after my own happiness. I’d been hiding for far too long, and it was time to fully come into my confidence. Tonight, I would show everyone just how powerful I really was.
“Can I ask you both something? Is this too dangerous a web we’re weaving? I can’t help but feel selfish for going after happiness, knowing it will have a disastrous effect on everyone else around us. Alaric will not be happy, and I’m terrified of what he and Alastor will do.”
Eloise turned me to face her. “Remember what I told you, sometimes we must take risks to be with the ones we love. If you’re not willing to fight for that love with all you have, then it’s not a love worthy of the chase.”
“I’m willing to fight,” I breathed.
“I know. That’s how I know you both were made for each other.” She pulled me into an embrace and whispered, “He’s afraid of himself and afraid of hurting you, but he’s never stopped loving you.”
The prickle of tears pressed against my eyes as she twirled me around the vases of flowers that sat beside my bed. “You see those? Since the first night you arrived, he has been picking fresh flowers for you every day.” My eyes widened, and Clara squeezed my hand. Tears began to stir in her eyes as well. “Even when he was away, he told me in his letters which flowers to place in your room each day.” Pulling out a folded piece of parchment, she handed it to me. Eloise took a step back and wrapped an arm around Clara, allowing me space to read.
There were flowers to match the color of my eyes, the vibrance of my hair, but it was the ones that touched on parts of my soul that sent the tears sliding down my cheeks.
“Day lilies to light up her day and empower her. Irises to bring her courage and remind her to hold onto hope. Daisiesand honeysuckle to stir the happiness and sweetness that dwells within her…”
On and on went the list of all the reasons why these flowers deserved to be in my presence. The parchment crinkled in my hand as I stared at the blooms inside the vase today. Lavender, forget-me-nots, and delicate pink peonies in full, fluffy bloom.
“Lavender to bring you serenity, forget-me-nots to remind you of his love even from afar, and peonies in full bloom to remind you of your transformation into the stunning woman you have become.” Eloise sniffled, and I faced the two sets of glassy eyes behind me.
“He said that?” My voice cracked.
She nodded. “I doubt he intended for me to share.” Eloise released a breathy laugh as she wiped away a tear. “But you needed to know he still loves you, he just needs help clearing the fog of his own mind.” She leaned back to give my ensemble one final look before pulling me in for a quick embrace. “Ready?”
