Page 73 of Once Upon a Demon's Heart

My memories aren’t as clear as the victim of Pluto’s loop curse, but I remember her helmet coming off in the last reset. Iremember seeing her silver hair and lavender eyes. Is that why I was so eager to convince Achill to accept their deal for peace?

Would she forgive me if she knew that my blood was the only way to save her and break the curse? At least, that’s what Pluto told me. He said it was the only way to free the cursed knight.

I couldn’t let the loop reset again, not after finally finding her. But if she should die now, it would be for good.

A deep and ruinous pain moves through my chest at that thought. I stare down at the flowers she adores so much.

My foolish half-god.

I return to the bed and stare down at her somberly, brushing my thumb over her cheek gently.

“My mercy died long ago,” I whisper to her. As did most of my heart. All that’s left of it remains with her. “You should know that I die slowly with each tear you shed. I love you, Alira. I’m sorry for what I am.” I shut my eyes and hold her close to my chest. Can she hear my heart? Can she hear how it agonizes for her?

No, she will never love a man like me. Not after what comes next.

Not after vengeance is served.

I will bring Alzhor and every half-god to rubble now that she is out of harm's way.

“I’m sorry for tricking you.”

Epilogue

PLUTO

The dark waterin the pools surrounding my throne reflect a story of sorrow and love. A confession of a demon’s sins.

Lounging in my throne, I lean against my fist as I gaze into the pools. A cruel grin lifts the corner of my lips. “Kalel, what a mess you’ve made for yourself.”

I tap my long finger against the stone armrest. If Venus hadn't sent him that wisp to try to stop the attack on Thornhall, her only daughter would’ve died the first time he had slain her in Alzhor. Venus’ wisp showed him a specific knight to put his rage toward. I chuckle at her risky move. To show her daughter to a monster like him, a monster I helped create, was a bold move in the least.

Was it luck? Or did the goddess have a fate that prophesied a way to keep her daughter alive? Lovely Venus. Her heart is pure. I fear that her empathy rubbed off on me long ago.

My eyes narrow with a wry grin as I move a chess piece across the game board.

I tried to give the silver godling a clue. Every demigod should know that any being cold to their touch is evidence of a curse they’ve placed on you. Once the curse is lifted, they are warm once more.

Hmm.Although I suppose King Borlin did burn most of their history books. And what with there being so few of them left, how could such a foolish girl know any better? Being assigned as a knight too, she’d never had a chance to learn the way of curses.

Pity.

Itsk. Enamored with their longing for each other, nonetheless. As opposite as they are, their attraction is magnetic. Alluring.

It was by chance that I happened to be watching the night he was slain. An act as terrible as what unfolded that night was enough to garner even Jupiter’s eye.

I connected with the pain that flashed in that boy’s eyes as he was slain for merely existing. A compulsion tugged on my heart to save him.

But unlike the gods in the sky, I require a prayer from one with holy blood to keep a soul from entering the Gates of Mortem.

So, when I watched that young demigod girl weep over his body and cry out to the divine beings who abandoned them, I answered her call.