Page 55 of Dissection of Immortal Hearts
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Constantine
Constantine leaned against a tree trunk, crossing his arms. A gust of wind stirred the branches and carried a floral scent tinged with a sharp, peppery note he’d believed was lost to him forever. What was he supposed to do in the face of this unexpected twist of fate?
Life is the most unfair opponent. For years, it beats you down, and just when you think you’ve grown numb to its temptations, it takes a single moment to lure you back into another duel – another hope that a happy ending might still be possible.
Sometimes, a single moment changes everything.
For Constantine, that moment wasnow.
His attention settled on Diana. Her chestnut hair, streaked with copper, framed her face and highlighted the warmth in her almond-shaped eyes. Those beautiful eyes, often inscrutable, reflected emotions he could never quite decipher. Her soft features radiated femininity, accentuated by a delicate nose and full lips.
“If I still had my necromancer’s powers, I might have mistaken you for a ghost,” he said, fighting the urge to step closer. It was wiser to keep some distance. For now.
She shrugged. “I didn’t die in the tournament.”
As if that explained anything.
He swallowed the reprimand that threatened to rise to his tongue – the anger he harboured over her departure with nothing but a damned note. “It’s good to hear your voice again,”he said instead.
“It’s good to see you again.”
For now, that was enough. He pushed away from the tree trunk. “What were you doing near the portal?”
She studied his every reaction with the same intensity he reserved for her. “I’ve been coming in and out of Antambazi regularly for some time.”
“Why?”
“I was searching for something.”
“What?”
“It doesn’t matter anymore.” She tucked a stray chestnut strand behind her ear.
“How did you learn about Antambazi?”
“I met someone during the Al-Hatib’s Tournament…”
Constantine stiffened. “A man?”
“A friend. He warned me there would be an attack on all tournament participants and told me about a realm that exists apart from the rest of the world. But I didn’t know you were there until I saw you today.”
A sharp pang struck his chest. Though he still had much to learn from Diana, a sudden thought curved his lips into a smile. “And you threatened to cut off Kathrine’s head.”
“I have unfinished business with those lizards.”
There she was – the Diana he remembered. Audacious and unapologetic. Fierce enough to enter a tournament meant for monsters. And now, the prize she’d risked everything for was in the Queen’s hands. Coincidence? He doubted it. “Hecate’s Mirror. That’s what you were searching for in Antambazi, wasn’t it?”
Her features betrayed a flicker of hesitation. “I was, but I realised I couldn’t take it. Anyway. Why did the reptilians imprisonyou?”
“Because the Queen desired something from me.”
“Something?”
He stepped closer, his shadow spilling over her delicate frame. “Yes, dove.”
She arched an eyebrow. “What could you possibly offer the Mother of Reptilians?”
