Page 26 of Black Hearted (Cursed Fae #4)

Lorelei

Saying goodbye to my mother was the hardest. She pulled me into a tight hug, telling me she knew I could do this.

I knew it was the last time I’d ever see her, the last hug we’d ever share, but she didn’t.

When she started to let go, I held on for a few extra moments.

Finally, I released her, telling her I loved her.

She said the same, her voice warm and steady, and then I turned away and mounted my horse.

It was hard not to cry and say more. I had thought about sending messages to my sisters and father, but how could I without giving away the sacrifice I had to make?

Zane and I set out on our quest for the Tree of Transformation at first light, retracing our path back to the Spring Court to approach the Savage Lands from there. Now, the sun was high in the sky, and it was nearly lunchtime.

“The Spring Court is beautiful. You have a lovely home,” Zane said as we rode side by side on our horses.

This morning, when I’d stepped out of the tent, I nearly tripped over him. He’d fallen asleep right in front of the entrance, as if standing guard. His protectiveness sent butterflies fluttering in my stomach, but dwelling on it only made my heart ache more, knowing he’d never truly be mine.

Since mounting our horses, I’d barely said more than three words to him, still heartbroken over saying goodbye to my mother and consumed by the contents of the Wise Ones’ note. Realizing I was being rude, I forced a smile and turned my gaze toward him.

“Thank you. Did you travel to the Spring Court with the little girl from your dreams? Nellie?”

He nodded. “Your parents were kind enough to let her stay with them until I return. She seemed to get along particularly well with your sisters. Octavia in particular, as they’re so close in age.”

The mention of my beloved sisters caused the smile to slip from my face. I hadn’t been able to say goodbye to them or to my father. Perhaps I’d see them in their dreams, but it wasn’t the same. I’d never see any of their faces again in real life.

Zane leaned toward me in his saddle, his expression filled with concern. “Are you okay?”

He was so in tune with my emotions. It was a little unnerving.

I cleared my throat, pushing the bleak thoughts to the far corners of my mind.

If I kept acting like this, Zane would start asking questions, and the last thing I wanted was for him to discover the truth about the note.

Even though I didn’t know him well, I knew enough to be certain he wouldn’t let me go through with my plan. And if he stopped me, we’d all die.

“Yes,” I said quickly. “Tell me more about Nellie. She seemed very attached to you in your dream.”

A full grin lit up his face, making him even more handsome.

Stars, he was everything I wanted in a mate. Kind, respectful, tall, strong. Every step forward felt harder, knowing I’d never get the chance to really get to know him.

“She’s sassy, fun, annoying, and loves sweets,” he said, his grin widening.

I laughed. “Who doesn’t?”

He nodded. “Her grandmother passed away. I found her alone in her house on the Harvest Mountains, trapped. We sort of clicked.”

I frowned. “Does she have any other family?”

He shook his head. “No. I’m all she’s got. I know it’s only been a short while, but she’s becoming family already. I won’t abandon her too.”

“Are you planning to take care of her when this is all over?” I asked, surprised that it might be something he was considering. No other man I knew would. Most would drop her at the nearest orphanage and move on.

“Of course. She has no one.”

That stunned me into silence, and my heart swelled. Was Zane for real? He’d stumbled upon a young orphan and decided to take her in and care for her? He was literally perfect.

I glanced over at him to find him watching me. Warmth spread through my chest, making it hard to look away.

Maybe blocking whatever might happen between us was a bad idea. Maybe I shouldn’t deny myself the chance to live fully in the few days I had left, to embrace whatever these moments with Zane might bring.

But would that be selfish of me in the long run?

“You’re beautiful,” he said softly, pulling me from my thoughts.

I looked away, heat rising to my cheeks as I tried not to smile. “Thank you.”

I wanted to say “you too,” but it felt awkward.

This whole situation was strange. He was my mate, but I barely knew him.

“It’s kind of strange, isn’t it? The mate thing,” he said, breaking the silence. His tone was light, but there was a hint of curiosity in his voice.

I exhaled, relieved. “So strange. We don’t have mates in this realm. At least not in reality. Just in children’s storybooks.”

He nodded. “Well, there’s no need to rush anything. I’ve waited my whole life to find my mate, so I’m in no hurry to force a connection. I just want you to know that.”

Every word he said was exactly what I needed to hear. He was so respectful, so understanding. Part of me almost wished I could find a flaw in him, but I hadn’t—not yet.

“Thank you for saying that,” I replied, smiling. But the smile felt a little hollow.

He didn’t know the truth. We didn’t have all the time in the world like he thought. We only had until we reached the Tree of Transformation, until I drank the vial.

After that, whatever bond we might build would be over. Forever.

I fell silent again, unable to shake the sadness weighing on my heart. The rhythm of the horse beneath me offered some comfort, lulling me into a calmer state.

We ate lunch on the road, keeping our pace steady to reach Meadow Village by nightfall. From there, it would be just a half-day’s ride to the border of the wild terrain where the Tree of Transformation stood.

As we rode, I found myself stealing glances at Zane. His presence was magnetic, and when he started humming a tune to himself, the sound relaxed me.

Everything about him drew me in, making it harder to stay resolute. My heart screamed at me to be reasonable, to remember how this would end. The letter was clear: there was no future for us.

But having Zane here beside me, so alive and real, made my task infinitely harder.

I needed to be strong. To keep my resolve. Yet, riding next to him, my literal dream come true, I couldn’t help but wonder what it might be like to have more time. To have a life with him.