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She hesitates, and I move closer, breathing in her scent. Fury purrs.

“Except?” I prompt when she doesn’t continue.

“Hecate is trying to get me to release my magic. She makes me look inside myself. And honestly, it’s a freaking mess in there.”

I don’t say anything. She’s obviously got a lot more she wants to share, and I’m here to listen. I want to help. I want to do anything I can for her.

“It’s like there’s a wall built around something—my magic, I presume. But there’s so much power. And it’s dark. I don’t know whether it’s dark evil or just dark and murky. I just don’t know, and I’m scared to look. And it’s preventing me from moving forward.”

I frown at her words. This sounds achingly familiar. I close my eyes for a moment and look inside myself. I found the wall while I was locked in that cell for so long—a wall surrounding a deep well of...what did Amber call it?Something.

Right now, whatever it is, it’s locked behind that wall. But it wants out. I’m not sure it should ever be allowed to see the light of day.

“What are you thinking?” she says.

Do I tell her? I think—not yet. Maybe for now, I’ll keep it to myself. I like the idea that we’ve got something in common.She’d probably just sneer. But I’m sure there’s a connection—I just don’t know what it is yet. I need to find out.

But right now, I need to ease her mind.

“All magic is made up of dark and light,” I say with a shrug. “You’re not evil. You’re normal.”

“Ha ha,” she says with a sneer. “I’m as far from normal as you can get. You know, when I couldn’t remember who I was, it never occurred to me to want ‘normal’. I wanted to be a princess. I mean, who doesn’t?” She looks at me, one eyebrow raised. “That’s a strange thing to say to a prince. I’m guessing it hasn’t made you very happy.”

I don’t answer because, no, it hasn’t made me happy. I’m not sure I’ve ever known true happiness—except for those fleeting moments with Amber. It took being locked in that cell for me to realize that. There may have been some moments with Khendril when I was very young and before I knew any better. But I’ve buried those memories deep, and I have no desire to unearth them.

“You’re not evil,” I repeat, my voice steady, just in case she didn’t believe me the first time.

Her gaze sharpens, boring deep into my soul as if she can see the turmoil swirling within my thoughts. “Thank you.”

She leans into me and stands on her tiptoes. I don’t move—not a single atom. Then her lips press against mine.

Time seems to stretch, just a few heartbeats, but it feels like an eternity. I crave more; every fiber of my being yearns for her. A sense of rightness fills me, followed by heat. Iwanther.

What happened to staying detached? That didn’t last long. But if I give in, I know I’ll fall apart.

So, when she steps back, I don’t drag her back to me like I want to. Now Fury growls—he’s not happy with me.

“I’m starving,” she says. “Do you want to come and find some food?”

I shake my head. “I need some time alone. But Amber—”

“Yes?”

“Thank you for rescuing me. That wasn’t the action of an evil person.”

She studies me for a moment longer, and I think she’s going to say something else. But then she gives a nod, as if she understands. I doubt that very much. And then she’s gone.

I run my hands through my hair, pressing my fingers to my forehead, fighting the surge of emotions threatening to overwhelm me. I want to chase after her, to call her back, but I fight the urge.

I can’t do this as a man. I release my control, and Fury takes over. He’s always ready. Then I sit down and howl at the moon, like the mad beast I am.

Chapter 27

Playing Hooky!

Inudge Hecate in the side and whisper, “Are you and Therion having a thing?”

It’s breakfast and it’s busy. As well as me and Hecate, Zayne and Josh, Winter is here. And also Thanouq and Therion—his second in command—who have been joining us for the last couple of days. Therion is really hot in that Viking warrior sort of way. Lots of streaky blond hair in a ponytail and a crap load of muscles. He’s also got this cool, standoffish sort of vibe.