Page 73 of The Demon King's Destiny

“I have your assurance this will work?” Melena’s voice whispered.

“It will. You know I want what you are to give me. There’s no reason for me to swindle you. Only, be sure to drink it all if you want it to happen quickly.”

Evelyn couldn’t see the face but the voice was distinctly male. Melena’s chest was rising and falling far too fast. Her trembling hands lowered the vial into a small pouch tied to her waist.

When she turned to step away, the male’s hand grabbed her wrist. Firmly, but without aggression.

“You are his wife, Melena. His love is obvious. So much so it’s nauseating to behold. You don’t have to make this choice. If he remains in Sundari, the odds of him finding her are slim to none.”

“I don’t expect you to understand, Bogdan.”

“No, I don’t understand. If you go through with this, you know we will be forced to act. It is our duty to Imperium.”

“No, you won’t. Marrok isnotthe king. There will be no need for anyone to do anything to him as long as Brennen holds the crown.”

“Marrok is Brennen’s only heir.”

“Brennen may yet produce one with his saatus. I’ve seen snippets of the future, of rogues finding their mates in mass numbers. He could be one of them. It would settle him.”

“The future is not set in stone, Melena.”

“You’re right. My visions alter over time. Only one has never changed. Marrok and I will never produce a child.”

A haunting ache rolled through Melena, her hand settling over her abdomen, over thewombwhich would nevercarry young.

“When,” Melena swallowed, “when I’ve seen his young, they’re not mine. His first has a head of auburn hair, which means his mate is not demon. The vision alters in location, in clothing, in time of year. Itneveralters with the child’s odd coloring or with whom he has created life. I’m not …” she shook her head, eyes glassing over.

She sniffled and took a cleansing breath, getting the upper hand on her emotions. “One way or another, his fate lies elsewhere. Who am I to stand between Marrok and his saatus?”

The male released her wrist. “Would that we all could love as selflessly as you, my lady.” A note of respect hinted in his deep voice.

She laughed without humor. “Better my heart explode at my own hand than force my husband to do it for me.”

Melena turned and walked into the shadows of the wall. Evelyn’s mind was spinning, her heart breaking for both Marrok and Melena. The she-demon had taken her own life. She’d done it to ensure Marrok could be with his mate.

The guilt was a crushing weight. Did Marrok even know? Suddenly, the dream shifted. She was standing in front of a white stone structure. A tomb.

Evelyn was inside Marrok again. One hand resting on the cool marble, his other tracing the inscription with his fingertips. She could easily make out the dark lettering contrasting with the white.The phrase below the deceased’s name stood out the most.

SAKANA ZENA, UVEK. Beloved wife, always.

His mood was dark, his grief overwhelming, accented with a heavy undercurrent of rage. His breathing was ragged and his eyes burned, though no tears were shed.

Marrok’s despair was Evelyn’s. She couldn’t escape it. It stole her breath—Marrok’s breath. It twisted and pulled his insides, tying them both in knots.

I loved you, he spoke in his head to his wife. Evelyn felt like an intruder, like she shouldn’t witness this private moment.

I will never love another. Never. There is nothing left in me for anyone else. I didn’t care that your visions never showed us with young. I was content to merely hold you forever. It was all I ever wanted. I may very well find my mate. Goddess help her because all she’ll get is the shell you left behind.

“Damn you, Melena,” he whispered aloud, bowing his head. “Damn you for condemning me to this hell.”

Evelyn awoke, her face covered in tears, her heart torn wide open for the male who mourned his lost love.

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