Page 18 of The Demon King's Destiny

“Does it matter?”

“To me, it does. Please, I’d like to know. If it’s something that can be replicated, I’d very much like to know how. Such a power could be very useful to others. I could help the midwives, or … people who are suffering.”

Marrok’s look softened. Not only was she powerful, she was compassionate. Unfortunately, she would not be able to reproduce the power with anyone other than him.

“I pulled your pain out and absorbed it into my body.”

“That’s amazing. Is it possible for me to do that?”

“I’m sorry, but no,” he lied. Technically, a saatus could, but only with his or her mate. It was abhorrent to him to even consider allowing her to feel his pain.

Her eyes moved to his cheek. “Does it hurt you? Like it did me?”

A heartbeat passed. Two.

“Yes. Enough that I’m surprised you were handling it so well.”

“I am not weak.”

“I didn’t say you were. You took quite an impact, as well as a burn?” his chin lifted towards her brow.

Her lopsided grin hit him square in the chest.

“Noticed the missing eyebrow, did you? Any chance you know how to grow it back? Immediately?”

Marrok shook his head.

“Well, that’s unfortunate.”

“Who did this to you, Evelyn?”

Her nose crinkled. “Well, it was actually two separate incidents.”

“You were attacked not once, buttwice?” he seethed.

“Well, no. I wasn’t attacked, exactly. I appreciate your concern, but it’s not what you think. My sister, Eden, took the eyebrow in retaliation for me using my powers when we were sparring—”

“Your father allows you and your sister tofight?”

“Understatement of the century. He makes us. And it’s sisters, plural. All three of us receive training.”

Marrok crossed his arms, scowling. “Why in the Goddess’ name would the King of Gwydion force his daughters into combat?”

“Why wouldn’t he? He’d never let us grow up to be vulnerable. I, for one, am thankful I know how to protect myself with more than just the elements I command. Especially considering my family’s history. Father thinks we have targets painted on our backs simply because of who birthed us.”

Evelyn’s tone was level, her speech came out as a matter of fact. Marrok could guess it had been ingrained in her and her sisters since their mother’s murder.

He scratched his head, thinking King Edward may be onto something. If Marrok had a daughter, he would not want her to feel defenseless. At the thought of progeny, his claws scratched his chest.

“Wait, how do you know who my fatheris?”

His gaze moved over her shoulder to the manor house. “The royal residence is behind you. I was here once, long ago. I’ve also met your father a number of times at the Temple of Sanctus Femina. He brags about his daughters, Eden, Evelyn, and Nora.”

“Oh.”

“And this?” his knuckle grazed her temple, gliding along her enflamed skin.

Evelyn folded her lips over her teeth, a tad embarrassed. She didn’t want to come across as the clumsy female she’d always been. Not with Marrok.

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