Page 90 of Knox

Adrian wanted to cry.

How could Knox say that?

Adrian’s lips parted, but before he could say anything, Knox’s love enveloped him like a warm light, pushing back the darkness that had threatened to consume him.

It only lasted for a moment, that was all they had before the fight had to resume, but when Knox jumped up and faced Caelen again, Adrian knew one thing for sure.

He needed to be the man Knox thought he was. Not whatever pathetic creature Grant wanted him to be.

His eyes narrowed in determination.

Grant wasn’t aware of the shift in him, though. He tried to get another dig in. "You know, I bet Knox will leave you too. Once he realizes how pitiful?—"

Adrian whirled on his brother, anger flaring hot in his chest. "Shut up, Grant. You want to talk about pathetic? Look in the mirror. You fell for Chris’s act, hook, line, and sinker. He’ll cheat on you before you’re married for a year, and if you can’t see that, I’m sorry for you. No, scratch that. I’m not sorry for you. You’re getting exactly what you deserve."

Grant’s mouth fell open, shock written across his face. For once, he was speechless.

Of course he was. Adrian could hardly believe it himself. Finally, he’d been able to say all the things he’d wanted to hurl at his brother for so long.

God that feltgreat.

But he didn’t have time to bask in the feeling, not while the man he loved was still locked in battle.

Adrian turned back to Knox, his heart clenching as he saw the incubus take another hit. Knox stumbled, barely dodging Caelen’s next attack.

No. Adrian refused to let this happen. He wouldn’t be the reason Knox lost this fight.

Closing his eyes, Adrian focused on their bond. He thought of Knox’s touch, his smile, the way he looked at Adrian like he was the most precious thing in the world. He poured every ounce of love he felt into their connection.

If Adrian’s doubts could weaken Knox, then surely his confidence, his determination could make him stronger.

You can do this, Knox.

I love you.

Adrian felt the bond between them pulse, growing brighter and warmer. He heard Caelen scream in rage, the sound filled with frustration and disbelief.

When Adrian opened his eyes, he gasped. Knox stood tall. He was no longer engulfed by shadows. Instead, his magic glowed the same color as his eyes; a brilliant gold.

"No!" Caelen’s face twisted in anger as he unleashed a barrage of shadows, but they dissipated harmlessly against Knox’s radiant aura.

Knox advanced on him, unbothered. The Shadow King’s attacks grew more frantic, more desperate, but nothing seemed to reach the incubus.

"This is impossible," Caelen snarled. "Where is this power coming from?"

Knox didn’t answer. Instead, he raised his hand, and a stream of golden energy shot forth, striking Caelen squarely in the chest. The Shadow King staggered backward, his eyes wide with disbelief.

Caelen wasn’t finished, though. With a roar of fury, he summoned a massive wave of darkness, larger than anything he’d conjured before. It loomed over them, threatening to engulf everything.

Adrian’s breath caught in his throat. These were the actions of a desperate man. Worse, the actions of a desperate sorcerer.

But Knox stood his ground as the wave of darkness crashed toward them. At the last second, he thrust both hands forward, golden light erupting from his palms. The two forces collided in a spectacular explosion of light and shadow.

Adrian shielded his eyes from the blinding flash. When he looked again, Knox stood upright, the magic around him glowing even brighter. And Caelen…

The Shadow King was on his knees, his power visibly draining away.

Knox looked down on him. "It’s over, Caelen."