Page 120 of The Demon King's Destiny

“I don’t believe Elora’s warning was for a broad audience. It was for a very specific group. It warned the brotherhood to watch their steps, to heed the threat that would end them.”

“And they misinterpreted what it meant,” Marrok mused.

“Wait, so why all the problems? Everyone has suffered in some way,” Evelyn’s eyes lifted to Theron.

“Fate had to get your attention. Kellan, why did you seek out a bride of Gwydion?”

“For help with the forest.”

“Yes, and that one decision led him to his mate, then put Nora’s life in danger, which is why Edward brought Eden and Evelyn here. Viktor, why did you come here to the temple that day?”

“For help with the lack of matings and nonexistent birth rate. Instead, I found Eden.”

Theron gestured to Marrok. “You may have met Evelyn in the dreamworld, but no matter what you decided about your saatus, you would have come to the temple. Why?”

“I needed help with the rogues,” he ran a hand through his hair. “It seems so obvious now.”

Theron shrugged. “None of it was certain. Each of you still had to make choices. Fate just set the stage.”

“Yes, and you conveniently pushed us out onto it,” Evelyngriped.

“My help only got you so far. All of you had tochooseyour path, to open your hearts. Matehood doesn’t guarantee love on both sides.”

Marrok squeezed Evelyn’s hand. Yawning, she squeezed back.

“I think we need to let Evelyn rest,” Marrok spoke to the others, but his attention was on her.

When Nora and Eden stepped in Evelyn’s direction, their father stopped them, glancing over his shoulder back at his middle child. “You can visit with her later. Let’s give them some time alone.”

Kellan and Viktor escorted their mates away and Theron followed close behind. Edward limped to the foot of Evelyn’s bed, not quite healed from his attack.

“I’m sorry, Evie. If I’d been able to prevent this,” he motioned to the bed she was in, “I would have. Of you three girls, however, I will say you’d be the one I knew would not only survive it, but would eliminate whomever dared to cause you harm.”

“Really?”

“Really. You’re the most blood-thirsty of the lot and that’s saying something. I’ve seen what you girls have done to the training equipment. I’ve also seen Jasper after you’ve kicked his arse. Bully for you, young lady.”

Evelyn beamed, thankful Marrok had taken the pain from her face so she didn’t cringe.

“I’ll leave you two to rest,” Edward inclined his head and exited the infirmary.

“Scoot over, little mate and I’ll hold you while you sleep.”

Evelyn shifted and allowed Marrok to pull her into the curve of his body. She easily slipped into a healing sleep, thinking of all the things she wanted to do to him when she was up to it.

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