Page 100 of Princess Redeemed

“This is where the ether sent me.”I collapse into his arms.

He kisses my forehead and then pulls away slightly.“Damn, princess.You’re hurt.”

“I’m all right.Just surface scratches.”

Rogan tenderly inspects my body, tracing his warm fingers over fresh gashes and blooming bruises.I suppress a wince.Worry lines his handsome features, and anxiety radiates from him in palpable waves.

“I won,” I whisper, burrowing into his warm embrace.

A strained silence hangs between us for a beat.

Then, “Eris?”

I nod, fighting back the wave of exhaustion nibbling at the edges of my consciousness.“She’s gone.”

His breath hitches and he pulls back to look at me, emerald eyes wide with alarm.“You killed her?”

“I did what was necessary.”I hold his gaze without wavering.

“And the baby?”He drops his hand to my stomach.

The child gives me a hearty kick.

“Feel for yourself,” I say.“He’s fine.We’re both fine.”

“Thank God.”

He’s silent a moment.

Then his faces twists.

I expected that, in a way.

He’s mourning the loss of his fated mate.Of Eris.

“It’s all right, Rogan.”I lift my hand, ignoring the ache, and cup his cheek.

His eyes lock onto mine.Such a turmoil of emotions are reflected in them—guilt, grief, and stunned disbelief.

“I understand,” I say.

“Do you?”he asks, his voice barely above a whisper.His hand covers mine on his cheek and he leans into my touch.“Can you really?”

“Yes,” I reply softly.

The truth resonates in my heart, echoes through the bond that binds us together—a bond that defies laws of nature, transcends fates written in stone.Because if anyone understands Rogan’s loss right now, I do.

I feel everything he feels.We may not be fated mates, but somehow, the universe has bound our souls anyway.

“I’m sorry,” he says.

“Don’t be.”I release a shuddering breath and squeeze his hand lightly.“We both did what we had to do.”

He nods and then rakes his gaze over me again.“Come with me.”

He takes my hand and leads me into my bathroom, where he strips me of my sweat- and blood-stained clothes.He wets a cloth under the faucet and wipes the grime and blood from my face.

My fangs snap down despite myself.