Page 104 of Crave Me

It meant we had options.

Because if my world wouldn’t accept her, it seemed her world would accept me.Us.

We’ll handle this issue with Fallon,I thought both to her and to myself.Then we’ll proceed from there.

I didn’t want to leave my home or my people. But I also recognized that I’d served them for a very long time. I’d protected them. I’d groomed them. And I’d prepared them for a life without me in it.

That was what a good king did—he ensured his people were ready for the inevitable. Because while my kind could live forever, my position was one that possessed inherent risks, such as untimely death.

I’d survived a lot over my very long life.

If Nyx ended up being the catalyst for me losing my throne, I would accept that.

Because I accepted her.

My mate.

My future.

In a universe with a myriad of options and opportunities.

We can still try to convince them to let us stay,Nyx whispered.I don’t want to take you away from your people.

I kissed her temple, holding her close.As I already said, Goddess, a good leader knows when it’s time to sacrifice himself for his people. And I can feel that time approaching. They need someone stable. Someone who can pick up my mantle and continue the journey forward.

Someone like Kaspian,she replied.

Someone like Kaspian,I echoed.He’s already leading them. Maybe it’s time he takes over my crown.

Then I would become a retired king.

Destined to see the universe I’d never known existed.

With this beautiful goddess by my side.

That sounded like an appealing future to me.

But we would see if fate agreed.

CHAPTERTWENTY-FOUR

NYX

Magic hummed across my arms,startling me from my sleep. It reminded me of the morning I’d met Vesperus, only this felt more urgent.

It scattered goose bumps along my arms and lifted the hair on the back of my neck. “Vesperus,” I whispered, my hand on his shoulder. For once, he was actually in bed beside me, his eyes closed in a dream I couldn’t seem to shake him from.

“Vesperus,” I said, louder this time as my heart began to race.

Something was wrong.

He shouldn’t be this hard to rouse from sleep.

And his skin was cool to the touch. “Vesperus.” I placed my palm on his chest. “Wake up.”

Nothing.

No response.