Chapter 38 -Nesrin The soft sheets against my skin were the first thing I noticed as I slowly woke. I could already tell my body was feeling lighter than it had felt in the last month. The familiar smell of lilacs and lavender filled the air, and the humming of the magic that surrounded me made the anxiety and fear melt away. I was home. I was safe.I wanted to believe that everything that had happened was just a horrible nightmare. That Ahmes and Apollo were fine. I wanted to pretend that I never made a deal that would wreak havoc on the world. I wanted to believe that when I opened my eyes and allowed myself to wake up fully that everything would be as it once was. But I knew it never would be again. Something about me now felt empty, hollow. Ahmes's presence was a mere whisper in my mind. I couldn't even sense her stirring like she usually did when I woke for the day. My body also didn't absorb the magic a
Chapter 39 - Awakened ApolloI never understood why people believed that death was peaceful. That once you were gone, your soul was at peace. How could they know? Why were they always so quick to think that you didn't suffer once you ascended into the afterlife?I had always been a skeptic, especially after watching Ilaria die in my arms. The screams of her pain were still so clear, as if she was still screaming as if I was still living in that moment. How could anyone find peace after enduring so much pain? How could the mothers allow us such luxuries after what we had done?I wondered if that was all Nesrin would remember of me, if she could even remember me after whatever that witch had promised to do to her. I wished I could have killed them. I owed Nesrin that much after everything she had sacrificed for me. Gods, I failed her. I swore to protect her, and I wasn't strong enough to stay true to my word. But what was
Chapter 40 - GuiltyApolloI stilled at the sound of Knox; he sounded different. His presence was heavier than I remembered, stronger. I pulled away from Nesrin, looking down at her in shock. "What's wrong," Nesrin asked, slightly tilting her head as she looked up at me. Her long wavy onyx hair fell over her shoulder. The blue in her sapphire eyes was somewhat duller than before, maybe from exhaustion. She was stunning.The scar wasn't as red and angry anymore, but it still looked sore. The fact that she was here in front of me was a miracle. It showed just how strong and resilient she was. The scar only added go her beauty; she was a fighter, and she was all mine. I didn't know what I did to deserve someone so kindhearted as her, but I thanked the mothers for such a gift."You did it," I said in disbelief. The corner of her lip pulled up. "How?" Her smile faltered slightly, a hint of sadness in her eyes
Chapter 41 - WildroseNesrinMy body felt completely energized after last night, but I knew it wouldn't last. The sparks of our bond made me feel whole, even though I knew I wasn't. The further I got from Apollo, the more apparent it became, but I had a duty to fulfill today, and I wouldn't falter until I had seen it through. Apollo's touch still lingered on my skin. Every movement, every tender kiss engraved into my mind. The way Apollo had worshipped my body had sent sparks throughout my body. The smell of strawberries and crisp winter clung to me, mixing with the scent of roses and ginger. It was my new favourite smell, the smell of our unity, our love. But as the sun rose to greet the night sky, farewell. I had reluctantly left our world of false peace too. I didn't tell Apollo of my plans. I hadn't even told him of my last encounter with Dela either. But I would after I confronted the council and our people.
Chapter 43 - Cold HeartedNesrinThe silence was the only thing that greeted us as we made our way out of the throne room towards my father's office. Apollo and I followed my parents and brother. Behind us walked my grandfather, and a few guards followed us. No one spoke as we entered his study, the weight of the room suddenly feeling too heavy. Making my stomach turn and my nerves uneasy. The importance of the untold truths that would never leave my lips made me feel worse than a traitor. Apollo pulled me into his side as we sat on the leather sofa in my father's office. My mother, father, grandfather and Damon were staring at us, waiting for us to explain what happened now that we were in private. I felt like I couldn't breathe, my heart racing in my chest. The mixture of their emotions was suffocating. "I'll be the first to say it. You are fucking stupid if you think we buy any of the bullshit you spewed in the
Chapter 44 - PropositionApolloListening to Nesrin's brother talk to her like that made my blood boil. It took everything in me not to snap and put him in his place. Yes, what we did was stupid and reckless, but she already knew that. Angry or not, he had no right to speak to her with such disrespect. After he left, I relaxed a little but having to stay behind when I knew she needed me was gut retching and had me on edge once again. After what had happened in the throne room and then in her father's office, I didn't know what I was in for. But whatever it was that he needed to speak to me about, I wouldn't take it lying down. I was exhausted, and my patience was long gone. I just wanted to be with my mate and forget the world for a little longer before making sure everything didn't go to complete shit. The world was on a time limit, and they didn't even know it was already ticking away.I wat
Chapter 45 - SacrificesNesrin *One year ago*"You need to slow down, Nesrin. You're not getting any better, and lately, you seem even more exhausted than usual," Imelda scolded.She had made it a point to visit me once a month after everything happened. Imelda said it was because she missed me, but I think it was more her making sure I didn't try to enter the Dark realm again to save the three other people who had helped us escape. I had pleaded my case to my parents repeatedly, but with me no longer having any pull in the Capital. Their word was law. If they said no, it was no. If Lir, Drabek and Kier were still alive, it would have only been two weeks since we were taken and made it back to Gardenia. But for Apollo and I, it had been over a year since we had been in that horrible place. Adjusting to our new normal was hard. Apollo had joined the Royal guards not long after returning. He was reluctant at first,
Chapter 46 - ReliefApolloI let out a shaky breath; Nesrin gave my hand a tight squeeze reassuring me that I wasn't alone. I stared up at the little log house that I used to call my home. The wooden porch now more weathered than it once was. The gardens and flowers were just as vibrant and lively as I remembered.The last time I had been here was when I brought home Illaria's body. I had no idea how this was going to go. My sister was so sure that they would be happy to see me, welcome me home with open arms, but I couldn't see how. "You won't know unless you knock on the door, Apollo. Despite everything, they will always love you," Nesrin said as if knowing my thoughts."But what if they don't? What if I knock on the door, and they shut it in my face?" I looked down at her then. She gave me a soft smile. One made my nerves steady and my heart slow. "Then, at least we can say you tried. What is a life worth living