Page 90 of The Bones of the Cursed
“That’s what I mean. It will be hard enough as it is. I don’t want to make it worse if my theory is wrong.”
Alanis nods and burrows deeper into the bed. I can feel her sadness like it’s a heavy weight that sits upon my chest. How can I be so in tune with her emotions and not be her mate?
“Kailu.”
I glance at Mal, who stares at me softly.
“Let’s just get some sleep. We can deal with this in the morning,” I say quickly, trying to avoid the fears that seem to be closing in around me.
I pull Alanis into me, Malakai sandwiching her from the other side.
I do not sleep that night. My mind and body are restless with the worries consuming me. I lost one woman I loved to a mating bond; I don’t know if I will survive losing Alanis. In fact, I know I won’t. There is only so much heartbreak one person can manage, and losing her would in turn mean losing Mal. I can’t fathom being around him, watching their love, knowing she is not my mate. Knowing I would lose them both.
To be with two people I love, who are meant to be together, while I am an outsider. Someone who doesn’t belong.
No, I will not take this next step until I’m certain.
For all of our sakes.
34
- ALANIS -
QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Groaning, I roll over, my hand seeking the hard muscled bodies that held me all night. Instead, my hand meets cold sheets.
The castle is eerily quiet as I emerge from my room, making the hair on my arms stand on end. The dining hall is empty, as is the kitchen. I’m just coming around the corner of the foyer when I hear the soft murmur of voices, so I follow the sound to the king’s study, unsure what to do.
I don’t have to fret long. The door swings open and I am greeted with Kailu’s giant grin.
“Sleep well?” he asks with a devious smirk.
My gaze shoots to Siveral and Hendrix, who are holding back a laugh. The office is spacious, the king’s desk sitting in the center, bookshelves lining the entire room. The walls are a light cream color, the floor a deep mahogany. A large window sits at the back of the room, showing the front courtyard, the array of flowers outside creating a vibrant rainbow backdrop. Elion sits next to Malakai in front of the king’s desk. The look he’s giving me is one I can’t decipher, but he rises and walks to me, planting a soft kiss to my lips.
“Good morning.”
I feel the blush spread across my cheeks. “Morning,” I mumble out.
Kailu leans in, pressing a soft kiss to my lips next and I practically melt into a puddle.
I turn my eyes to the king and queen, who haven’t said a word since I entered.
“What’s going on?” I ask, fiddling with my fingers nervously until Kailu takes my hand, leading me deeper into the room.
“Elion found your father’s book that listed how to contact certain people,” Kailu says gently. “He found an entry about the hooded man who gave your dad the potion to suppress and control your powers.”
“Do we know who he was?” I ask, looking between everyone.
Malakai stands behind me, his hand on my shoulder. “His name was never stated, but your father left a detailed description of how to get a hold of him. Elion reached out last night when he first found the entry. He got a response this morning.”
My heart pounds in my chest. “So, now what?”
Elion speaks up: “We have a meeting with him tonight.”
I nod. “Is that all?”
The king stands, pacing in front of the hearth. “We were also discussing the surprise attack in the Golden Vale. It is very worrisome. No blood has ever been spilled there, at least not to that extent. It is considered a peaceful and sacred place. People travel to it to honor the Gods and give thanks for our realm. How Iclas managed to create a portal there…”
