The thought cut her to the quick.
She didn’t care if they’d shared one night or a thousand. He was branded into her heart in a way no man ever had been before. And if she left him now, she didn’t think he’d forgive her twice.
Her hands fisted at the thought. She was doing the right thing. Her actions would save lives. Why did that mean she had to give up the one man who matched her perfectly? Surely the cosmic scales were out of balance somewhere. What was being asked of her was beyond unfair. Kerilyn had taken her happily ever after and damned the consequences. Why couldn’t she?
Blake’s image rose in her mind. A man willing to love a woman to distraction no matter what pain it caused. She’d watched love destroy him and here she was, ready to sign up herself?
Duty came first. Once the rift was closed…well, then she’d have time to figure out whatever the hell this was. That is, if Jaral would give her the chance. If their positions were reversed, she wouldn’t.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered so quietly she barely heard her own words.
Her people came first. Always. She needed to make sure they’d be safe.
Taking the bracelet, she wrapped it around her wrist before she could change her mind.
Her vision blurred for a moment as dizziness swamped her. She felt weaker, more human. Jaral’s magic was no longer coursing in her veins and now she was back to being…ordinary.
Which meant she needed to be long gone by the time he woke up.
With a last look at the man she shouldn’t love, Darcy grabbed her bag and left the room.
* * *
He had fought through century-long wars. He had been overlooked for a throne rightfully his for lifetimes. He had been betrayed by family, friends, lovers. But never had Jaral felt such blinding rage as he did when he opened his eyes and realized Darcy had left him. Again.
“Calm down,” a voice said from the cell gripped in his hand.
“Like hell I will,” he snarled. “She left me.”
“That will teach you to fall asleep beside a woman,” Liam pointed out. “Seriously, how has it taken you this long to learn that lesson?”
“I never sleep when there is someone else in my bed,” he snapped. “Darcy just…” He sighed. Darcy was just his exception. To everything.
“Well, as I see it you have two choices.”
“Which are?” he growled.
“Stay where you are and let the chips fall as they may. Maybe your girl will pull it off and you’ll never have to choose between her and the king. The decision will be made by the time you get back.”
It was a coward’s way out and held about as much appeal as another dose of one of Darcy’s potions.
“And door number two?”
“Get back here and help her.” He paused. “Or stop her.”
“She left me. I very much doubt she wants my help.”
Liam chuckled softly in the background. “Do you blame her?”
“She should have trusted me.”
“Really? So you are one hundred percent certain that when you face Abaddon again you will tell him you don’t want to be heir, don’t want the position you’ve fought for your entire life, because of a woman you’ve known for days?”
Jaral gritted his teeth.
“Because if you are not perfectly sure of that decision, how can you expect your mate to be?”
“When did you become the voice of reason?”
“You know I’m right.”
Jaral sighed as he looked around the room he’d decimated. A shattered mirror hung lopsided on the wall. Burn marks scorched the walls and carpet. The drapes had been shredded by sharp claws. The only thing that hadn’t been touched was the bed. How did she walk away from the passion they’d experienced last night? How could she wake up and throw him away? He growled at the thought.
“This is why I have no desire to find my mate,” Liam said. “You are a cautionary tale.”
“Shut it. How the hell do I beat her back to the city?”
“Surely you have some talent that could come in handy right about now.”
“The only way I’ll make up her head start is with a portal and I can’t create them. Do you know anyone in the area who can?”
“I know everyone,” came the flippant reply. “Including a devlen demon two towns over who can open portals. What will you give me for his name?”
Jaral rubbed the bridge of his nose. Indebted to the infamous Liam Greyal, all for the sake of a woman. How his brethren would laugh if they could see him now.
“A future favor,” he said, knowing it was the only thing Liam would accept.
“Granted.” Liam sounded downright cheerful. Never a good sign. “I’ve been trying to get you in my debt for centuries, Jaral. Have you accepted yet that only for your mate would you take such a risk?”