If only I hadn’t spent so much time disregarding my feelings for her. She might not have come alone to the marketplace.
My fists clenched. I had failed to keep her safe.
My eyes were shut as I prayed to Tenage and Veshar, asking for their protection over her and her offspring.
During my younger years, I was taught about Tenage and Veshar. Gods who were said to have created the grand tapestry of the Universe. Doubts lingered regarding the truth behind the story, that said we were born with destined mates.
The virus, which took the lives of many over thirty tenri ago, made many doubt there were any Gods, let alone fated mates. Still, the faint mating marks on all Alaran males hinted at the truth behind the stories.
Latza didn’t reveal the truth about our parents being fated mates until I got older. This could have been the reason behind his dire grief and ultimate abandonment of his only children.
But only now could I relate to how he might have felt.
The sheer intensity of encountering my own fated mate was unimaginable. Until Olivia appeared, the dormant markings on my body remained inactive. When we first crossed paths, I had no clue about the immense impact she would have on my life.
As we neared the palace, my gaze fell upon my K’sha, and my mating marks seared my skin like fire. I shifted closer to her. “I am going to carry you inside.”
She didn’t respond when I picked her up, cradling her.
With her nestled in my arms, our connection became even more undeniable. Olivia was my destiny. She was my K'sha.
12
Orin
I RUSHED PAST THE STARTLEDguards and made my way to the main hall, cradling Olivia protectively against my chest. Mentally, I reached out to Rekna and alerted him we were on our way. He responded, urging me to hurry.
Emotion flooded me as her warm body pressed against mine, her hands gripping her stomach. I experienced the fear and pain she was feeling and wished there was a way to shield her from it.
Carrying her into the palace, I felt no resistance from her, as if she had surrendered to the situation. Olivia rested against me, her closed eyes doing nothing to hide what she was feeling. I inhaled a deep breath, noticing the familiar sweet scent of my fated mate, accompanied by traces of distress. Although she wasn’t speaking, I sensed she felt safe in my arms.
The truth struck me with the force of a lightning bolt, piercing my heart. Olivia was a gift from the Gods but I had failed to protect her. I allowed my fears to hold me back from embracing the divine gift that was given to me.
The thought of losing Olivia filled me with anguish. My mind was consumed by worry and guilt. I groaned.I am a flutzing grik.It was my fault she’d been injured.
Had I not advised Clor against taking her to the market, he might have been with her and she would not have been injured.
Bursting into the infirmary, Rekna and Queen Grace hovered near a medical bed, their worry palpable. “Lie her down here.” Rekna ordered, and I placed her on the cot.
I detected the faint metallic odor of blood. Olivia’s face was pale, and she appeared to be in shock.
My body froze in place.Gods, please help Olivia and the youngling to be well.
Queen Grace was at my side. “What happened?”
Scared for the youngling and my mate, I shared what I knew, which was only that I’d found her on the ground, injured. I had not witnessed the incident myself.
The medic and Grace examined Olivia for injuries. My mate fixed her gaze on the ceiling while silent tears flowed from her eyes and vanished into her curls. The sound of her quiet, agonizing sobs pierced my heart, and I wanted to embrace her and comfort her.
I felt helpless. A low rumbling purr came from my chest as I watched.
“Where are you hurting? Is it just your abdomen?” Grace asked her.
The intensity of Olivia’s crying increased, and she had a momentary spasm in her body.
The sight made my heart leap into my throat. “Help her. Give her something for the pain. She's suffering,” I roared, unable to contain my emotions.
Rekna's voice, though calm, carried a firmness as he spoke with his back facing me. “Once I am aware of what injuries she has, I’ll be able to administer something for pain.”
