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“What an idiot,”Idris scoffed.“Can he do that?”

“Well, we certainly can’t allow him to abdicate,”snapped the second.

“It may be possible,”said the first.“If he gives her a piece of his soul.”

“Yes. Anything,” I agreed.

“Anything?”asked the second.

“Demand his firstborn child,”Idris said.“That’s what other celestial beings usually demand.”

“Shut up, Idris,”barked the second.“What are you even doing here?”

“Very well,”sighed the ancient voice.“Place your palm on your mating mark.”

As ordered, I aligned my fingers with the imprint. A warm, radiant light bloomed beneath my palm, like a tiny sun. Runa’s delicate flesh glowed at the touch. Heat scorched my flesh, and I gritted my teeth against the burn. The pulsing energy spread, growing brighter, to the point I was forced to look away.

Warmth seared the side of my face. My chest ached. Some unseen force tugged at my innards. Pulling, ripping, tearing. Pain threatened to crack me in half, much as the rift had the sacred tree. That pain broke free of my torso, traveling down my arm to my hand.

Runa’s slim frame jolted against me. The eye-watering light pulsed like a solar flare, erupting within my mate. Then, as quickly as it appeared, the fiery heat dissipated, the light growing dim. I cracked my eyelids open, watching as the glow faded from under my palm.

“Runa?” I cupped her face.

Bump. Bump.

Two soft heartbeats reached my ears.

Runa’s heartbeats.

At the sound, my own pulse raced.

The sinister tendrils of black vanished from her cheeks, receded down her chest, slid down her arm, and abandoned her fingertips. I held her hand to my mouth, kissing the inside of her wrist.

“Runa, my love. Wake.”

She stirred beneath my caressing hands. I rubbed her chilled flesh, and she warmed in response to my touch.

“I love you,” I breathed against her lips and she inhaled with a gasp, as if she pulled the words into her pulsing heart.

She blinked, peering up at me. “I love you too.”

Overwhelmed, I clutched her to my chest. Runa’s arm circled my neck, her grip as tight as mine.

“I saw them.”

“Saw who?” I released my mate, absorbing her awe-struck expression.

“My parents. They were with the others in the sacred tree. I was hugging them, awash in peace and harmony. Then suddenly, a void opened behind me. Momma claimed it was you calling me home. That one span, we would all be reunited, but that time wasn’t now. The fates still had plans for me, and I needed to get back to work.”

My lips curled. “Who are we to argue with the fates? Say you will be Carcerem’s queen, and I will rule at your feet.”

Violet gaze luminous, she smoothed my hair away from my face. “A generous offer, but I’d rather rule at your side.”

“Done. I’d give you anything so long as you swear to never leave me again.”

“You’re staying then?”

“I may need some convincing. If you’re up for the challenge.”