Page 72 of The Demon King's Destiny

Chapter 18

Two days before the summer solstice …

For what felt to be the twentieth time, Evelyn rolled to her side and tried to fall asleep. As Nora’s wedding drew closer, sleep had become more and more difficult.

She’d believed that once her father had agreed to meet with Marrok, her problems were solved. She found, however, the closer the date came, the more anxious she became. The more anxious she became, the more intruding her dreams became.

She’d been dreaming of Marrok’s past off and on for well over a year now. Evelyn had gotten used to it and sometimes looked forward to knowing his life. The opportunity to learn his thinking and emotions reinforced what she already knew—his strength of character was absolute.

Most of the time, the experience was positive, making her feel like she knew him inside and out. A glimpse into his psyche here and there was something she could look forward to seeing. Lately, she’d been pulled into his past more and more often, sometimes several times in a night. Now, she dreaded it.

Over the past month or so, she dreamt almost exclusively of Melena. It was never easy feeling Marrok’s love for another. Evelyn did her best to tamp down her jealousy and watch each scene objectively. There had to be a sound reason these particular memories were surfacing.

She always informed Marrok of what she’d seen, allowing him to pull the memories from her. He was very open and it helped when they talked through it.

Neither of them had professed love for the other, but Evelyn knew she loved him. She knew he was capable of feeling the same and she hoped that was the lesson she was to learn.

The only awkwardness between Evelyn and Marrok were the few times the dreams had shown Melena moving her mouth without sound. It bothered Marrok he had no recollection of it and he would retreat inside himself for a short time, processing. Evelyn had a naggingsuspicionitwas a significant part of his past.

Irritated, she rolled again and focused on her breathing. Eventually, sleep pulled her under its dark veil. When the blackness faded, she found herself in the same hall where Marrok had first been introduced to Melena.

Marrok was standing at the foot of the dais, facing the back of the room. The entire space was packed with demons. Greenery accented with bloodred lilies hung on the walls and along the benches.

A harp played a haunting melody somewhere nearby. It was familiar—an ancient wedding march used in old-fashioned ceremonies. A figure clad in gold was gliding up the aisle. A female.

Evelyn could feel Marrok’s tightening throat as if it wereher own. His palms were sweating, his heart thumping.Nothing shall ever compare to this moment.In this moment, I am complete.

His thoughts were tiny daggers stabbing at Evelyn’s heart. She fought against the pain. It was his wedding. He was marrying his love. Marrok was entitled to these feelings, had earned them with his good deeds and unpolluted heart.

It’s in the past, she told herself. Evelyn would not allow her jealousy to grow and affect their future. She would be better than that.

Melena approached alone, without a male to give her away. Her face was visible through the sheer fabric covering her head. Her eyes stared straight ahead, towards the throne where Brennen currently sat. Not so much as a glance was awarded to the waiting groom.

Despite Marrok’s internal joy, Evelyn felt everything about it was cheerless. Wrong, even. No one smiled. No happy faces or tender gazes endorsed this rite.

The atmosphere was akin to a funeral march. Marrok appeared to be oblivious, his love for his bride outshining the shadows of the day. Before Evelyn could put her finger on why she felt this way, the dream dissolved away and she arrived in a different scene.

Melena’s face was close to hers. No, she was staring at a reflection in a full-length mirror. Evelyn’s essence was inside Melena, not Marrok. Helplessly, she watched Melena adjust her tight-fitting red dress and smooth down her long black hair.

Evelyn caught sight of a male’s face. His narrow nose and arched brow were the same as Melena’s.

“You’ll not tell him, Melena.”

“Really, Cousin. You overstep.”

Melena’s voice was clear and sharp, but she was having difficulty locking down her fear. Evelyn couldn’t decipher enough to understand what was scaring Melena.

Her hand reached for the top of her strapless gown only to have it snatched away into her cousin’s painful grip. “Do not test me on this. You’ll not like the consequences.”

Melena’s fear morphed into anger. “Brennen is the king. Not Marrok. Even if Marrok was on the throne, I’m not stupid enough to get either of us killed. Although, I doubt he’d lay a hand to me. You, however, might want to worry about your own neck.”

“And what do you think will happen if I die? You’re my heir, Melena. Don’t ever forget it.”

The male let go of her and stormed away. Melena lifted her shaking hand and pressed the palm to the skin over her heart.Over my dead body, the she-demon vowed.

Again the scene dissolved and Evelyn was thrust into another. It was dark and she was outside, next to a large stone wall, the kind built to keep invaders out. A nearby torch emitted enough light she could see a cloaked figure standing far closer than was polite.

It handed her a corked vial. The cool glass chilled her fingers. The liquid within hummed with power. Dark power.

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