Page 27

As I stood there, trying to process what Anu had said, Star came running outside. He paused just out of the doorway, chest heaving, and gaped at me.

“What?” I asked, feeling as hollow as I sounded.

“You did it,” Star whispered. “You freed us.”

I blinked as I realized that the urgency that had been clawing at me, the same feeling that had put me on edge and shortened my temper, was gone. I took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

“I remembered who I am,” I said. “And I gave him an ultimatum.”

Star gaped at me again. Then he snapped his jaw shut. “You gave Anu an ultimatum?”

“Yup.” I grinned, feeling better by the second. “I told him I'd leave Earth and never return if he didn't speak to me. So, he showed up, and we argued. Finally, I tossed his whole 'free will' thing in his face.”

“Hold on.” Star stepped over to me. “I thought he was willing to release us?”

“Yeah, that's what he wanted us to think.” I grimaced. Then I softened my expression. “Star, I'm so sorry. He manipulated me. He made me think it was my decision to keep the compulsion in place. But the truth was—he didn't want to release us.”

“Why not? Why was it so important to him?”

I thought about the prophecies and wondered if it would be better to keep that from Star. And then, the mere thought of keeping another secret prompted me to tell him. “The prophecies. Do you remember them?”

“The ones about you bringing justice to Hell?”

I nodded. “And healing it.” I laid a hand on his shoulder. “I'm sorry, but it's on you now. We left the Underground Demons as if all they needed was for us to keep their secret. But how is that healing Hell or helping them? What was the point of finding them if we were just going to leave them alone? I was supposed to be their savior. Now, it has to be you, Star. Bring them to the surface and reunite them with their people. They are all your people. Yours.”

Tears filled his eyes—so unexpected. “I know. I've thought about them often. I've told myself that they're happy down there. That they've built a life. But they belong above ground. With the rest of us. Not separated from us. I want to bring them back, but Hell is so broken right now. I can't bring them into this unrest. I have to make the surface safe for them first.”

“Or maybe they will help you unite Hell.”

Star considered this. “Maybe. I need to think more about it. Now that I can think clearly.”

We let that hang between us. Just staring at each other. Acknowledging what could have been.

“Star,” I whispered.

He grabbed the back of my head and yanked me into a kiss. It was rough and a little angry, but also glorious and full of all the desire we'd never give in to again. It sent shivers up and down my spine as if he were filling me with electricity. My body came alive as it only did for the men I loved. Yes, I loved him. As more than a friend. But this was one man who I couldn't have. Loving Star meant letting him go.

I did just that as I stepped back.

“Thank you, Seren,” Star said.

“I'm sorry you suffered so long.”

“I'm sorry I assumed I was the only one suffering.”

“You didn't. You just assumed you suffered more. And you were right.”

“No. I don't think I was.” Star cupped my cheek. “You may have had their love to comfort you, but they also tormented you, didn't they? Guilt is like acid in the soul.”

I let out a shaky breath, my eyes closing on the tears that rose, and turned my face into his palm. Star bent his head to mine and we stayed like that, in silent communion, until we heard the door open again.

“Ambassador, the . . . oh, I'm sorry.”

Star and I eased apart, no guilt anymore, and looked over at Ravee.

“Is the food ready?” I asked.

Ravee cleared her throat. “Uh. Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Okay, thank you. We'll be there in a second.”

“Okay.” She practically ran away.

Star chuckled as he looked back at me. “Back to reality.”

He started for the door, but I grabbed his hand to stop him.

“Star, you know that if you need me, I'll help you in any way that I can.”

Star smiled. “Yes, I know, Seren. But first, I'll try to do this on my own. Let's prove Anu wrong.”

“Deal.”