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I blinked at him, gasping and shocked, forcing myself to become the Ayla who wasn’t me. The one who had masqueraded as Aida just so she could party with Rhett. Someone who had just learned her father’s identity in time for the devious Shadow Prince to take advantage. Someone who wasn’t desperately trying to check if theirmatewas okay.

“I never should have left you alone,” my father continued as he casually picked up the letter from Grayson and pocketed it. “It never occurred to me thathewould have used you.” He glanced at the glowing box.

I stumbled forward, forcing myself to speak. “I had to. He threatened to hurt me if I didn’t help him.” I hated every word.

“I know. I felt your power being used through the throne.”

He had felt that?

This new bond went alarmingly deep, and I studied the ground, masking my concern. “Thanks for saving me.”

“I shouldn’t have left your side for a moment.” He shook his head and sighed. “Fortunately, the shards have served their purpose, and as much as I hate to think whathe’lldo with them, what matters more is that we’re united now, father and daughter. Together, we’ll keep the isles safe.”

It was a lot to process. He was speaking so fast, giving away so many things without thought that shivers went down my spine. He said the shards had already accomplished his purpose, but what did that mean?

Trembling, I grounded my walls into place. Already, my new reality threatened to bring me to my knees. Through it all, my father watched, his expression hungry.

“Come with me and stay close.” He walked toward the hallway door. “After such an ordeal, you need rest, and there is room for you here. I’ll keep you safe through the remainder of the assembly.”

Swallowing the wave of grief that filled me, I feigned a relieved smile and trailed after him.

When we left the room, he turned to the guards standing outside. “Search for the Shadow Prince. He couldn’t have gone far.”

Chapter thirty-four

His Lost Love

Zayne

Pain coursed through me as I landed in the suite that had been ours. Quickly, I looked about, ensuring all evidence of my stay had been erased.

I can’t really leave her, can I?

My heart burned, the tether taut. I was only a few rooms away, and already, our connection was mostly reduced to emotion and intention.

She was steady. She was sure. She had made her choice, and even if I hated it, I would honor it.

Because she was right.

The black diamond had to go. And to escape, I had to leave now. My last shadow-step had been easy with the help of the diamond, Gloom’s power flowing from the united crystal and into me, my connection to shadows and decay stronger than ever. The deity may be absentminded, but she was mighty all the same. Hers was a power too easy to abuse.

I had to go.

Like a distant shout, barely audible over the distance, I heard Ayla.“They’re searching for you.”

“I’m about to leave.”I tried to breathe.“I love you.”

“I love you too.”

For one final heartbeat, I allowed her to fill me, all of me. Cherry and spice. Her essence became part of mine.

Love would have to be enough.

Shouldering my bag, I braced to shadow-step again. Vanishing into the shadows, I joined the darkness. There was no time to think, to feel, to acknowledge the fury that burned behind my eyes.

Ayla is mine.

And I was leaving her behind.