Page 118 of The Path of Blood and Betrayals

She sighs deeply. “Ohlovie, of course, they will. When people want power, there are those who will suffer. It’s up to you to decide who shall suffer for their wickedness.”

My heart pounds in my chest as I ask my final worry. “What about the heir to the Shadowlands? Can he be trusted?”

I don’t want to hear what she’ll say. I don’t think I can take another betrayal.

Nessa cared for me when I was injured, taught me along with her children. How could she do all that while hating me—fearing me?

Enduring those taunts and sneers, I did sofor her. Because I thought that was what I deserved. Now, to know it wasn’t my fault, my heart feels as if it’s being crushed under a boot, ground into dust.

I don’t know what I’ll do if Kaden is another person who I’ve misplaced my trust in. It’ll break what little bit of my heart is left.

“No one can be fully trusted, lovie,” she mumbles, looking to the side, as if gazing out a window. “But it’s hard not to feel a connection with one’s Heartbond.”

All thoughts fleemy mind.

My chest expands and falls rapidly, breaths short and I realize I can’t get enough air.

“Heartbond?”

White eyes snap back to me, and she smiles cruelly. “Surely you knew?” When I stay silent, puffs of air rushing from my lips, she laughs. “Youdidn’tknow. You think that connection is normal? He’s a Dark Fae, a cursed prince, someone who drinks the very essence you were born to wield. That pull you feel? That rightfulness.” She scoffs, annoyed, tapping her chest. “No, that’s a Heartbond. He’s your other half, lovie. But what you do with that is up to you.”

“What I do with it,” I repeat, focusing on steadying my heart. There’s not enough air in this tiny room. “You mean I can reject it?”

“Of course.” She shrugs, bored. “But I would be careful. Fae, especially those in the Shadowlands, have a way of getting what they want. And they always want their other half.”

“Be wary of a Fae’s words,” she threatens, seeming in another trance. “Their words are what you should fear most.”

Swallowing, I stand, fingers twitching as my magic swells within me. It’s responding to my silent plea for escape.

I can see it now, how my magic reacts. It’s not something I can’t control, but can be wielded. It’s protective, rising with every threat to keep me safe.

I don’t look back at the seer as I stumble from her home. I don’t know what to do next, but I need to run.

Chapter 42

Max

When I break out into the sun, it takes me a few minutes to blink against the light and focus on the three Dark Fae and the shifter standing in front of the door.

I shiver when I see Wulf’s smile.

It’s positively sinister as if he knows what I learned inside.

As if called, my magic rumbles to the surface, fingertips darkening red.

“Did she answer your questions, flower?” he asks smoothly, eyes bright.

I don’t see a human in his eyes now. Just a wolf, looking for his next target.

I refuse to be it.

“She did.” Stepping slowly, I stop in front of him, keeping my hand on my dagger. I really wished I hadn’t left the other in the hollow.

Sensing the tension, Kaden steps next to me, keeping a firm hand on my elbow. He doesn’t know what the Mad Witch said, that he’s my Heartbond, but he still feels the need to cover my weakness. To protect me.

How much is this from him and how much is this from the fates? Does it matter if he still feels the same as me?

Shifting my weight, I try to remember the meager training from Nafre and Tay. Where to place my feet, where to block. It didn’t help much when the Coven was attacked, but it kept me alive.