Total pages in book: 153
Estimated words: 140462 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 702(@200wpm)___ 562(@250wpm)___ 468(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 140462 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 702(@200wpm)___ 562(@250wpm)___ 468(@300wpm)
I barely contain the sob rising in my chest, because this is not about me. I don’t know how it happened, but I’ve mutilated Sylvan. I have turned into a monster, just like I feared, and now he might lose everything.
Why? Why has he come back when I told him to leave me behind? Or was it me who hunted him down? I have no idea how much time passed since we parted. What if it’s been years?
Prince Tristan, who’s still sporting a bruise on his face, jumps off his own kelpie. I’m a big guy, but Tristan is imposing in his armor, and he is headed straight for me.
“What did you do to him?” he roars as he pushes my shoulders so hard I fall over.
That’s when my self-control ends. Tears fall from my eyes as I howl, hiding my face in my palms. “I’m a dangerous monster. Please… please help him!”
I’m inconsolable, but the punches I most definitely deserve don’t come.
“Enough of this self-pity,” the dark-haired royal says, sliding from the back of his kelpie. He might be clad in full armor but walks as if it didn’t hinder his movements at all. “Time to take responsibility for your actions.”
I attempt to focus on his words, because I know he’s the one making all the decisions, but my attention still drifts to Sylvan, who’s being moved to a stretcher. When Tristan steps in to help, I initially want to stop him, since he might be inclined to exact his revenge when my husband is at his most vulnerable, but the red-haired knight picks him up with tenderness and familiarity.
The dignified elf pulls out a sword blacker than the sky and puts the very tip at my chin. I don’t even attempt to get up. “I am Kyran Nightweed, Lord of the Nocturne Court, and Protector of the Nightmare Realm. You are wearing the Sunwolf Crown, which belongs to my family. You will either pledge yourself into my service, as Prince Sylvan promised me you would, or you will die.” His eyes are so intense that I have no choice but to focus on him.
“B-but… I’m a danger,” I mutter before gesturing at my lover’s body as it’s transferred, along with the shadow dome. “I don’t remember hurting him. What if it happens again?”
Kyran shushes me and reaches to my throat. I expect him to squeeze it in warning, but instead he grabs something I didn’t even realize was locked around my neck, and gently pulls me forward. “Not for as long as you wear this collar. Sylvan put it on you, at the risk of his own life. Do you deny the commitment he made in your name?”
“No! Of course not, Your… Highness,” I blurt out as Kyran lets go. “Please, help him, and I will be loyal like a dog. I will do whatever you want from me.”
The tiniest smirk appears on his lips. I have no doubt my future at his court won’t be easy, but all I care about is Sylvan’s life.
“Good. That’s what I expect from my loyal Sunwolf.” I half expect him to pat me on the head, but he doesn’t, and, to my relief, pulls away his sword. “Is your… bond with Prince Sylvan still there? I saw that you drained his shadow dry.”
I can’t bear that I took his power away, and I bite my hand, trying to contain the pain eating me up inside.
But his serene presence, and the slow, yet steady heartbeat I can hear alongside my own are still there, so I nod.
Lord Kyran scoots down like I’m a child in need of comfort. I feels ridiculous to be treated that way by a grown-ass man, a stranger. But right now, I do feel like some pauper wishing for nothing more but this royal’s grace, and assurance that all will be okay. That Sylvan will be taken care of if I just do as I’m told.
His gaze is much softer than before when he meets my damp eyes. “You can no longer be his Dark Companion,” he says, and I can’t help the sob escaping my lips. I never cared for that title, but Lord Kyran’s statement feels like a knife stabbed into my heart. He cups one side of my face and lifts it. “From now on, you will be his Bright Companion.”
Tears fall again, and I wipe them off with the back of my hand. “I hurt him. And I promised to keep him safe.”
Kyran sighs and places both his hands on my shoulders. There’s such comfort in their weight I find myself sobbing again. “He knew the risk of approaching a feral Sunwolf, yet he thought you were worth it. Be there for him in turn.”
I nod. “Yes, Your Highness.”
When he gestures toward a large black carriage with doors thrown wide open as the men in red coats carry Sylvan in, I crawl toward it on all fours, exhausted, scared, yet so very desperate to watch over him.