He starts to laugh, but it’s bitter and hollow, sending a chill down my spine. “Friends. You love me too and want to be friends. You’re both fucking dead to me,” he spits out, the venom in his words stinging.
I take a step toward him, my heart pounding. “Nyx, please. You said you would love me until you die. Can’t we talk about this?” I plead, desperate to salvage at least some part of what we had.
In an instant, his movements blur with speed, and suddenly my back is pressed against the wall. One of his hands is anchored above my head, firm against the cool surface, while the other grips my hip, holding me securely in place. His gaze narrows on me, intense and searching, and as he leans in close, I instinctively close my eyes.
Uncertainty swirls within me. His lips are so near I can feel his breath over them. I’m unsure if he’s going to try to kiss me again, then he shifts slightly, his breath warm against my ear, and he whispers, “Well, we both already know I’m a liar.”
By the time I open my eyes, he’s gone in a whirl of darkness as he channels.
Tears stream down my face uncontrollably as Chepi pokeshis head out from under the covers at the edge of the bed. I try to lighten the mood with a tease, “Oh, nice of you to come out now.” But my laughter is hollow, drowned out by the flow of tears. In a moment of vulnerability, I drop my shields and let my longing for Colton surge through the tether that connects us. I need to see him—to feel him. I need to make things right.
Almost instantly, a stir of wind kicks up, carrying the familiar citrus scent of Colton. He materializes beside me in the bunker, one hand cupping my cheek and the other resting gently on my shoulder. His presence envelops me, providing the instant comfort I desperately need.
“Why are you crying? What’s wrong?” he asks, conjuring a small orb of light, and his eyes scan the bunker before settling on me with a deep frown. “Did Nyx hurt you?” His voice lowers to a growl, filled with protective fury.
“Gods, no. He didn’t do anything,” I rush to explain to prevent Colton from any rash actions.
“Then tell me what happened? Why are you crying?” Colton asks, reaching up to brush a tear from my cheek.
“Can we get out of here first? I want to talk, but not here,” I say, sniffling and struggling to control my emotions. I need a change of scenery, somewhere I can think clearly.
“Take me wherever you want, enchantress. You’re the powerful one now.” He smirks, stepping closer to me, his warmth enveloping me in reassurance. His light-hearted comment is meant to lift my spirits, and it brings a small, grateful smile to my face despite how I’m feeling about hurting Nyx.
I scoop Chepi up from the bed and let Colton wrap his arms around me. Feeling secure in his embrace, I breathe in his sweet citrus scent, focus my thoughts, and channel us away from the bunker…away from the last place I may ever see Nyx.
We touch down in Colton’s living room, and the suddenbrightness from the sun streaming through the massive windows forces me to squint—the darkness of the bunker really does skew your senses. Chepi, invigorated by the familiar surroundings, leaps from my arms and scampers down the hall, his small paws echoing slightly.
The villa remains unchanged since my last visit, and I take a moment to admire the expansive glass dome overhead. The view beyond is still breathtaking, with towering cliffs and a distant waterfall framed by trees in hues of green and lavender. The bark of the trees seems to sparkle even from here.
I make my way to the large sofa in front of the flagstone fireplace, sinking into its comfy cushions. The soothing sound of water flowing through the indoor pond on the ground floor fills the room, easing the tension from my body. The beauty of this place is already soothing my soul.
Colton joins me on the sofa, turning to face me with an intent look, giving me his full attention.
“Come on, my shadow, cheer up. Talk to me,” Colton says gently, and I take a deep breath, searching for the right thing to say.
“Do you mind if I use your shower and change my clothes first?” I ask, craving a few moments alone to collect my thoughts. Honestly, I feel grimy, and after so long with only baths, a shower sounds heavenly.
“Do you want me to join you?” Colton asks, one side of his lips quirking up in a playful smirk.
I shake my head, smiling despite myself. “No, but thanks.”
“Alright, take as long as you need. I’ll be here when you’re ready,” he responds.
Grateful for the space, I head up to his bathing chamber, ready to wash away the remnants of the last couple of days.
As the warm water washes over me, I try to come to terms with the possibility that Nyx may truly be out of my life forgood. The accusation of being a tease haunts me. I never intended to toy with their feelings. While I do care for Nyx, the realization settles deep within my bones: I am in love with Colton, and it’s him I want to be with.
All this time, my emotions have been a tangled mess, misled by the notion that Nyx was my destined partner. But as Drew pointed out, the choice is ultimately mine, and now knowing they are brothers, Colton could very well be the light the prophecy speaks of. His nature, always bent on saving creatures and striving to do what’s right, coupled with the white glow of his healing magic, makes him seem like a beacon of light in contrast to Nyx’s often darker demeanor.
No definitive answer will reveal which brother is the light foretold by the prophecy, so I must follow my heart, which unequivocally yearns for Colton. It pains me to think of Nyx hurting, but I hold onto the hope that someday he will understand, and perhaps in time we could even be friends...but knowing Nyx it’s probably a reach. I hate the way he looked at me in those last moments in the bunker. He didn’t seem himself, understandably so, I guess.
I rinse off the last of the soap, my tears with it. By the time I shut off the water, I feel a little better.
Chapter 11
Colton
I pace around the kitchen,my thoughts racing as I wait for Lyra to come back downstairs. Each second feels like an eternity, gnawing at me with the image of Nyx being there with her.
