by Ali Winters
“Let me go, I have to stop him.” She fought against him weakly, deep down knowing there was nothing she could do.
As Kain disappeared, she fell back to her knees next to his body. Gently, she lifted his head and placed it in her lap as she had before she’d ended his life. Her thumbs brushed against his cheek and the memory of their first kiss came flooding back. She would give anything to bring him back. She would give up all memories of her past, the ones she remembered and didn’t. She’d give up that life to get him back.
Sorrow overwhelmed her. Sorrow at not seeing what he’d been able to see this whole time, and that she’d refused to admit until it was too late.
Nivian looked up at Caspian. He stood behind her, a hand stroking her hair. He helped her to stand and wrapped his arms around her.
Betrayal etched across her face, then acceptance as the truth sunk in. She could not follow Kain no matter how much she wished to. Her shoulders slumped over, and sobs racked her body. Nivian collapsed. Unable to stand on her weakened legs any longer, Caspian held her tight, not letting her fall.
“This isn’t okay. You made me—” she choked out between sobs. Her fingers gripped the material of his shirt so tight it felt as though her bones would snap. “He could have healed, he could have—”
Caspian stroked her hair, not uttering a single word. In her mind, Nivian knew there had been no saving him. But it was a fact that her heart would not yet accept. Centuries of experience made little difference.
Nivian knew she was directing her pain at Caspian. It didn’t matter if it wasn’t fair. He did nothing to avoid the brunt of her feelings, but willingly took them as if it would lessen the pain of her breaking heart.
“Nivian—” he spoke softly, trying to calm her.
“No! Leave me alone. You made me end his life!” She burst out in a fresh wave of tears.
He dropped his hand to his side and stepped back, giving her the space he instinctively knew she needed. Nivian felt something deep inside break, numbing her heart. The thought of going on as if the last six months of her life had never happened felt impossible. She didn’t want it. She wanted to be with Kain.
It was too much to bear. The agony that filled her threatened to shatter her, threatened to suffocate her. The crack of pain was almost audible to her ears. Her heart, her mind… she was losing herself in her sorrow.
Lifting her eyes, Nivian narrowed them at Caspian. He frowned as if sensing the change within her. She raised her hands out to her sides and took a step forward. Dark crystals formed in her palms, surrounded by the dark energy of her power.
“Do not do this, Nivi. I know you are hurting, but it will not bring him back.”
Her vision narrowed on the man she’d used to call a friend. She raised her arms and aimed her power, blinded by the rage that he’d forced her hand to commit the one thing he knew would destroy her.
Caspian raised his hands simultaneously. The dark power left his hands as Nivian let loose her own.
Her world went black.
* * *
Continue the story now with The Moirai!
Author’s Note
If you’d like to be notified of updates, new releases, giveaways, free downloads, and more, clink the link below to sign up for my VIP mailing list:
CLICK TO JOIN MY VIP LIST
* * *
You can always keep up with me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, as well as my Fan Group.
* * *
If you enjoyed this book, please consider leaving a review on the site you purchased it from. Reviews don’t need to be long, a simple line or two is wonderful. Every review is important and can make a huge difference in helping other readers discover my books!
Also by Ali Winters
The Hunted Series
The Reapers
The Exodus
The Moirai
The Fallen
Flirting with Death (A short story)
* * *
Stand Alone Titles
Army of the Winter Court
Sound of Silence
A Sky of Shattered Stars
Favor of the Gods
Cast in Moonlight (A Havenwood Falls High novella)
Acknowledgments
There are so many people I want to thank. My parents who always made me believe I could be anything I wanted to. They never put restrictions on my imagination by telling me what the world expects. My husband, for supporting me, supplying me with omelets and giving me words on demand.
Konstanz — Thank you again for everything. This book exists because of you. I was just a blogger with a small idea that I wanted to share with an author I admired, you encouraged me to write the rest of the story and cheered me on through the end. Thank you for being such an amazing inspiration!
R.G. — For helping me find that one word every time my brain shut off and for laughing with me at the hilarious typos and temporary filler lines.
Jammie S. — For pointing out an element that opened my eyes like I’d never expected.
Moxxley, Michelle I. — Thank you both for the amazing encouragement and all the support. I do not have words for how much your love and everything means to me.
Erin C. — Thank you for going through this maze of insanity with me, the sprinting. Most importantly, being so patient with me and all my questions.
Erin A. — because you supported me when I needed it most. You both kept me going when I needed it, encouraging me and being the best cheerleaders anyone could hope to have.
Kristina S. — Thank you for your countless messages, encouragement, and kindness. Your enthusiasm has been such a motivator, pushing me to try harder.
* * *
… And thank you, to everyone who believed in me and stood by my side.
About the Author
Ali Winters is the USA Today bestselling author of The Hunted series, as well as an amazon and international bestselling author. She was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest where she developed her love of nature, animals, and all things green.
For as long as she can remember, she’s been mesmerized by the extraordinary world of books and fantasy. There has never been a time when stories were not begging to be told, either by drawing, photography, or writing.
With encouragement from one of her favorite authors, she jumped in, head first, to pursue the career that had been calling to her since the day she opened her first book.
She has a deep love for coffee, tea, warm blankets, dogs, creating art in any medium she can get her hands on, and family.
Connect with Ali online
www.aliwinters.com