Page 52 of The Nymph Prince

He did neither.

“You speak as though you’re saying your farewell,” Reif responded as a crease formed in the center of his forehead.

“There’s never a promise for another day in this life,” I said as that chill found its way back to my chest. “Just know you have my gratitude if my days are cut short sooner than expected.”

Eva had mentioned a ritual that would be the spark to another war. Dark mages would leave the shadows once news spread that their king had risen. It’d be a beacon to all followers of dark magic; a celebration that the child of the dark had ascended.

The seer had my blood—Haman’s blood—which was the key to the ceremony. According to Eva, we still had a little time before the ritual. Since the ceremony was one ofrebirth, the ritual would be strongest at the turn of the spring solstice. At the ceremony, all humanity would leave me and I’d become the monster they wanted me to be.

My days were numbered. The days that mattered, anyway. Once I turned dark, I wouldn’t be me anymore.

Eva had said the draw of power was nearly impossible to resist, that even if I rejected my destiny, I’d eventually succumb to it. She hoped that by training me I’d have a fighting chance, though, and so we were starting my lessons at dawn the next day.

“If you think to do something foolish, I will not allow it,” Reif said in a deep voice. “Perhaps I should take position inside your room.”

“I have no intention of killin’ myself, Reif,” I disclosed once his implication became clear. My accent slipped with my words, but I was too mentally exhausted to care. It no longer mattered if anyone heard the tell-tale inflections of my voice, the one that made my origins known.

“My duty is to protect you,” he responded in a gentle tone. “Even if that means protecting you from yourself.”

The absence of his stern expression transformed his entire face, and I saw how handsome he actually was. The jagged scar on his left cheek looked less intimidating, too, once it was no longer combined with a deep scowl.

“My only intention this night is to sleep,” I said, offering him a reassuring smile. Sleep would probably be out of reach, but he didn’t need to know that. “Goodnight, Reif. I suggest you sleep, as well. You can meet me here at dawn for when I leave to find Eva.”

Without another word, I slipped inside my chamber and shut the door.

My hands trembled and my breaths came quick. The thumping of my heart slammed against my ribcage and blood rushed in my ears. The full weight of my destiny was crashing down on me and my body was shutting down.

It was the first time I’d been alone since Eva shared with me all she knew. No longer having to wear a mask of calm, I fell to my knees and let myself cry.

I’d die before I ever allowed myself to become that monster.

“Alek?”

I jolted at the voice.

Lorcan was sitting on the bed. He slid off it and approached me.

“Why are you in here?” I asked, attempting to steady my voice, but it shook nonetheless. Hot tears continued to fall from my eyes and I wiped at my cheeks.

“I wished to see you.” Lorcan sat on his knees in front of me, taking one of my hands into his. The faint light streaming in through the window reflected off his luminescent skin. Even in my dejected state, I admired him. “Why do you cry?”

“It matters not,” I answered, sounding raspy and unlike myself. “Where’s Malik? Shouldn’t he be outside my door?”

“I told him to sleep. Even he has to at some point.” Lorcan shrugged. “I’m also no fool. You’re trying to distract me. What did Eva say?”

“Again. It matters not.” With my mask back in place—the one that hid my fears and vulnerabilities—I stood and put distance between us. “You wished to see me. Now you have. I’d appreciate it if you left me alone now.”

It hurt to speak to him like that. He didn’t deserve it.

Lorcan was to his feet and in front of me faster than my mind could process. He grabbed me by my shirt and shoved me against the wall.

“Put an end to this behavior, mage. You’re hurting, and you think by pushing me away I won’t see it, but you’re wrong.”

“What makes you think I’m hurting?”

“Because I’m the same as you,” he responded, and his hold on my shirt remained firm. “It’s a defense we both have. Pretend we’re fine when in actuality we’re barely keeping ourselves together.”

“What do you know of pain, nymph?” I hissed through clenched teeth. “You are the precious crowned prince of Avalontis, son of a god. Your life is luxury and sex and being handed everything you desire by the simple snap of your fingers. You know nothin’ of betrayal, heartache, and having everyone you love taken from you. Do not tell me how we are the same.”