Page 92 of A Grave Not Made For Mourning
I want to look away, but I already know that no matter how I try, I’ll never be able to again.
I am his.
But I’ve already proven that there is no worse fate than being mine.
“It’s not possible for someone to survive my snakes either.” Azaire’s voice barely carries.
Aeliana and Persiphis.
The constellation. One of Ma’s favorites.
It’s not fair to hold onto that now, after what I’ve done. It’s not fair to hope.
Yet, I look down, staring at my gloves.
I think:What if?
I say, “These kinds of things never end well.”
It’s stupid to think like that—to wonder.
Aeliana was a Eunoia with a power no one else had, either.
It’s stupid to think like that. I don’t deserve to be touched after what I’ve done to him.
“You’re the only one who’s seen me and hasn’t died. It’s fair to reason I’ll be the same for you,” Azaire says with a shrug and a voice full of heart.
As I flex my fingers, I know how deeply I long to hold him close. To hold him and never let go.
To wrap my hands so tightly around him that he leaves indents in my skin.
It could kill him.
But it isn’t fear for his life that gives me pause. It’s fear for mine.
I am not worthy of a touch, after all I’ve done. And I’ve only proved this tonight. I’ve killed and manipulated…
But I look at his cobalt blue beanie. The thing that protects others from him.
And I look at my brown leather gloves. The thing that protects others fromme.
But not well enough to protect him.
We’re eerily similar, the two of us. I fear it means more bad than good.
He’s my venus fly trap. Or, more accurately, I might be his.
“Have you ever heard of Aeliana and Persiphis?” I ask, my voice hesitant. “It’s kind of a misleading name, actually, because the constellation has three figures: Aeliana, Persiphis, and Heili.” I swallow hard, my nerves catching up with me. “Do you know the story?”
Azaire shakes his head, watching me intently.
“Aeliana had this power—or curse, depending on what you believe. Everyone she met fell in love with her instantly. ExceptPersiphis. With him, it was different. Their love grew slowly, naturally. But before they realized it, three princes were already fighting for Aeliana. Heili, the prince of Folkara, won her hand. But when Heili saw her love for Persiphis…” I falter, my heart pounding. “Heili decided to kill him.
“Their fight was brutal. Heili almost won—until Aeliana stepped between them. She took the blow meant for Persiphis and died. Heili lost her forever, and Persiphis lived the rest of his life alone.”
It’s proof there are no good endings to this story.
Azaire doesn’t say anything at first, just studies me in that way of his, gaze sharp and unwavering.
