“And because of that, you need to give them a choice. Achance.” Casteel leaned in and folded his hand around the nape of my neck. It was as if we were the only ones at the table. “If you need that, then so do I. It’s as simple as that.”
I could hear my heart pounding. “No, it’s not.”
“It is.” Casteel pulled me toward him until our faces were only inches apart as he said, “Because I will never be at peace if you’re not.”
The breath I took scorched my throat. “You’re sacrificing your peace for mine,” I whispered. “It’s entirely one-sided.”
“It’s not.” He pressed his forehead to mine. “Because if I had my way, it would beyousacrificingyourpeace. And you’d have to live with my actions. That is what you’re giving up.”
“And you aren’t giving up anything?”
“All I’m giving up is vengeance. And that isn’t worth your peace.” He paused. “Or that of my incredibly self-absorbed brother—”
Malik’s huff was a reminder we were not, in fact, alone.
“My experiences with the Ascended cloud my judgment,” Cas admitted. “Not acknowledging that wouldn’t just make me a shit King. It would also make me a selfish bastard unworthy of you.”
My throat tightened as a jumble of emotions swirled in my chest, making tears well up in my eyes. “Why do you have to be so…perfect?”
From the chair beside me, Kieran groaned. “As if his ego needed stroking.”
Casteel’s lips curved into a smile as they brushed mine. “Because I am.”
“Case in point,” a gravelly voice muttered.
Reaver.
Gods, he’d been so quiet, I’d forgotten he was here.
I had no idea how Reaver had even turned up here. I’d gone to the bathing chamber, and he was at the table when I returned. I guessed neither Casteel nor Kieran had the heart to bar him entry after everything with Jadis.
Sending a look that promised violence over my head, Casteel lowered his gaze to mine. He kissed me, and I found his unique mark.I love you so very much, Cas.
A shudder went through him as he kissed my forehead, the warmth of his lips lingering when he straightened.
“So sweet,” Tawny whispered. I was beginning to think she needed to slow down on the wine.
“In case you’re wondering, I second Casteel’s thoughts.” Kieran’s gaze met mine. “And I didn’t expect anything less of you.”
I reached for my glass with trembling fingers. “I’m not sure that’s a good thing.”
Kieran smiled faintly. “It’s what is needed.”
Taking a shaky breath, I looked at the others. “What do you all think?”
“You know how I feel,” Emil said. “They should get a choice.”
My gaze shifted to Naill. “It won’t be easy,” he said after a few moments. “And it will be difficult for people to wrap their heads around, but I agree.”
Prodding at a fang, I shifted my gaze to Delano and Perry.
“It will be difficult to convince the entirety of Atlantia to get behind this,” Perry said. “There’s a lot of history to overcome. But it is the right thing to do.”
“Delano?” I whispered.
He was quiet for several moments, and I struggled not to let myself read him. “Those we met today? They aren’t like the Ascended I’ve met.” His bright-blue gaze lifted to mine. “But my…my sister once said something.”
Malik stiffened.
