Page 9 of Redemption (Deliverance Duet #2)
Chapter Eight
Ciaran
S taring into the mirror, I only see my own frantic reflection. I push against the glass. It’s hopeless, I know it won’t give way and bring her to me. There are those who can use mirrors to transport to other realms, but that isn’t one of my powers.
My voice seems to echo between us, those last three words sticking out as though I shouted them from the treetops. Each time they rebound back at me, emphasising what I am now sure of.
What if I’m your mate too? What if I’m your mate?
I’m your mate .
I’ve suspected that we belong together for a while now, but it was only when Death took her from me that this obsession began. Before, I thought I was attracted to her and wanted what the Seelie prince had. I won’t deny that I can be petty, and taking her from Alaric would make my year. The fact that she’s also the one who can break our curse was only a bonus. However, hearing her now has caused something inside me to click, clearing my hazy vision and showing me the truth. Iris is my mate, and I have to get her back.
Silence greets me. Subtlety has flown out the window in my need to tell her the truth. Have I scared her away? My own ghastly reflection mocks me as frustration and anger build inside me. This is not how this is supposed to go.
“Iris?” It’s hard to keep my emotions from my voice, my eyes sweeping uselessly across the mirror, looking for any clue.
“I’m still here.” Her voice is quiet and uncertain. I hate the fact that I caused this change in her, but she needed to know the truth. She stayed, and that’s something I can work with. She could have disappeared when I told her she’s my mate, but she didn’t. I just need to convince her to come to me, and I know for sure she will realise I speak the truth. We belong together, and I need to get her back.
“There is so much to explain, but I promise that I won’t allow any harm to come to you.” Even the very thought of her being hurt makes my dark powers push to the surface, stabbing through my restraint over my magic. Thorns jab through my skin, causing me to hiss in pain. This is nothing, though, and I would rather be torn apart before allowing anyone to hurt her.
“I need to go. Death will be returning soon.”
“Iris!” Something that feels like panic rises within me. She’s leaving, and I still don’t know how to get to her. She also has yet to give me a response to what I just told her.
“I heard you about being your mate.” Her voice is soft, almost a whisper. “I can’t deny I feel a pull towards you, but I have no idea what any of this means. Give me time.”
A loud squawk makes me jump, and I whirl, baring my teeth at the luna bird that leaps from its perch and flies through the open window. Iris is gone. I can tell that without needing the presence of the bird. The atmosphere is different and cold. That’s what my life is without her. She is like the sun, lighting a path in my existence.
“I can give you time, little flower,” I murmur under my breath, pushing away from the basin as my thorns retreat beneath my skin. Reaching for my shirt, I slide it on over my scarred chest and check my reflection in the mirror. My skin is smooth and healed thanks to my blood. “Yes, Iris. I’ll give you what you want,” I continue, smiling as hope flickers inside me for the first time since that awful night. “There is no getting away from me. I’ll find you, and you will realise we are meant to be.”