Page 48

Kiara

Arlo is a complicated being. While he delivered the Godslayer to Raina’s lover, it is said he journeyed to her empty temple after her fall. There, he supposedly fell to his knees and begged forgiveness. His envy caused devastation, but I maintain that he is eager to fix the mistakes of h is past. Even gods are strikingly human at times, and that gives me hope.

Found in the diary of Juniper Marchant, Sun Priestess, year 5 of the curse

Arms of steel circled me, squeezing tight enough that I stuttered for breath.

In my daze, I recognized the scent of the open woods , the aroma bringing back a memory of clashing swords and hot chocolates. Pouring rain and sweat. Standards I never had been able to meet. The praise I so desperately sought.

“Hello, Kiara,” Arlo’s voice murmured in my ear. “Don’t worry. I’ll yell at you as soon as I save you.”

Arlo .

My desperate prayers reached him.

I stared for precious seconds I knew I didn’t have. I gazed upon his wizened face, my heart lifting at the concern marring his brow. He’d come for me. He pulled me from the earth and was holding me, cradling my bruised body with all the gentleness he possessed.

My eyes filled with burning tears, blurring him further. He gripped me tighter at the sight.

We had to be somewhere outside. The air was fresh, and I heard the rustling of leaves nearby. Soft dirt filtered through my open palms as I steadied myself, attempting to rise. I failed.

“My friends,” I croaked, melting in Arlo’s hold. “They’re trapped.”

Arlo tutted. “For once, can you think about yourself? I doubt they’re bleeding from the inside out at the moment.” He moved my head to rest against his chest. “Have you forgotten everything I’ve taught you? Get yourself out of danger before helping others.”

“Yeah, yeah,” I said, hacking up another lungful of blood. “You’re no use to anyone if you’re dead.” I deepened my tone, mocking him. On the verge of death, likely hallucinating my former uncle , I chose snark as my weapon of choice. It was fitting.

He bristled. “And to think I missed you.”

“Your first mistake,” I teased, although the confession made my heart flutter. I’d missed him , too, missed his commandeering presence and frowns. His growling voice and the way he snapped at me when he knew I could do better. I felt safe with him, oddly enough, and I supposed seeing him in my current state wasn’t the worst thing to happen tonight.

Arlo sobered, releasing a profound sigh that shook my bones. “You’re dying, girl,” he whispered, his disappointed features coming in and out of focus. “When your shadows left, the temple rejected you, poisoning your blood. It won’t be long before it reaches your mortal heart.”

I might’ve been delusional due to the loss of blood, but I could’ve sworn his icy hands grazed my cheek in a moment of tenderness.

“We all have to die sometime,” I said quietly. And what a way to go. I would’ve smiled if I had the energy.

“Yes. You were always meant to die,” Arlo muttered, low and soft. He rocked me back and forth. “So why is it that I’m having a hard time letting go?”

I stilled at his confession. The man I knew as Micah had never shown such emotion, never cradled me, and rubbed my cheeks, trying to usher life back into my features. He became more of a stranger now than when I discovered his true identity.

“Going soft on me, old man?” I grinned, my teeth likely slicked in blood. Copper was all I tasted.

People on the verge of death never were able to fully recount their experience. Now that I was there, it was surprisingly peaceful. My limbs were numb, my body cold, and an odd sort of acceptance had taken hold.

I’d leave this life having helped those I loved, and a little part of me would forever live on in Jude’s heart. Selfishly, I prayed he’d feel me every now and again when he defeated Isiah and returned the sun to the skies. I hoped he took in that first glorious sunset and smiled, remembering me.

“No.” The harshness of Arlo’s tone jerked me from my reverie. “I feel you slipping, and…and I won’t allow it. I’ve invested too much. It would be a waste for you to die so young after all my training and hard work.”

I attempted a laugh, but nothing came out. I couldn’t feel my face.

“You may not understand the importance of this, Kiara Frey, but know what I’m about to do shouldn’t be taken lightly. Such an act can only be done once, and unlike Raina, I have faith you won’t stab me in the heart.”

What was he talking about? My lids were closing, the weight of the welcoming void calling me home.

“When Raina made her lover an immortal, she tied her heart to his. And when he broke it, she never loved the same. Was physically unable to.” Arlo’s voice became muffled, and I strained to hear. Thoughts of Emelia came to mind, of how difficult it must’ve been to grow up with a mother incapable of feeling love, no matter how much she ached for the emotion. “But seeing as I don’t have true love to offer you, or a heart that beats in sync with yours, I’ll offer you the next best thing. Just don’t make me regret it.”

Of course he had to add that last bit. Arlo wasn’t one for sentimental expressions.

“W-what—”

“Shush,” he ordered harshly. “I can bind your life force so we’re connected. We’re stubborn, you and I, and while I’ve been tough on you for many years, know I’ve been…I’ve been proud. You’re made of the same grit as I, and it appears our souls are connected in other ways.”

I was being shifted and laid upon the hard earth, but it didn’t matter. I could be lying on a bed of nails and not feel a thing. Arlo’s deep timbre was a melody, a lullaby like Dimitri’s. It soothed all my aches. I felt peace.

“Remember these nice words because it’s the only time you’ll hear them from me. You’ll probably forget them anyway, which is preferred. I wouldn’t want you to get any silly ideas of affection.”

Before I lost consciousness, I glimpsed vines sprouting from the earth and wrapping around my limbs, holding me down. Unable to fight, I lay there, uncaring of what happened to my mortal body. My mind began to drift anyway.

“Now.” Arlo stroked at his graying beard, his steel eyes narrowed. “This might hurt a bit.”

I passed out the instant his hands pressed against my heart.