Scars and Burns (No Light Without the Dark #1)

53. Aeron

53

Aeron

I sense Dinalia. Feel her heartbeat rising.

I’m in the Shadowlands. Going through my Father’s study. Stepping into the role of King with ease.

But the moment I feel the burning in my chest. The burning only she provides, I’m gone.

I burst through the doors of her chambers. She’s there. I knew she was alive and well. I could feel her steady heartbeat in tandem with my own. But to see her up and moving. Strong and beautiful. I don’t even bother to hold back.

Rushing over to her. Scooping her up into my arms. Spinning her around. Feeling every curve of her body against mine. Knowing she is real and here. Taking her face into my hands. I touch my forehead to hers, saying, “I thought I lost you.”

I’m finally able to breathe again. The lump in my throat shrinking every moment I am with her.

“Y-you came for me. You saved me.” she says. I wince at the tone of surprise in her voice.

“Of course I did! I’m sorry I didn’t come sooner! I knew King Elio was not to be trusted. I shouldn’t have let you out of my site.” Feeling the shame with every word that I say. But before I can say more she’s pulling me into her. Bringing my lips to hers.

She pulls away and I’m tempted to grip her back to me. Just to be able to embrace her again. But before I can bring her lips to mine, she says, “Doesn’t matter. You came and you’re here now.”

“What is this!” I hear from behind me.

It’s Saphrina. I recognize the voice. I swear if she interrupts one more moment with Dinalia I’m going to lose my mind.

Dinalia tries to step away from me but I pull her closer. Saphrina isn’t worth losing this moment together.

“I have to talk to her.” She whispers to me. I shake my head in refusal, “No, I’m never letting you go again.”

“Dinalia, get away from him.” Saphrina says, marching over to us. Sliding her arms in between our bodies. Pushing Dinalia away from me.

I almost throw Saphrina off the balcony for that. Who does she even think she is? She is a weak, naive princess who holds no real power.

“Saphrina, don’t push me away from him.” Dinalia says. My heart fills with pride as she defends us.

Saphrina takes my hand in hers. Interlocking our fingers. Gripping my forearm.

I look up at Dinalia. Our eyes lock. Understanding of pain and suffering between us.

Fuck, I did this. I manipulated Saphrina a little too well. But the events of last night were not supposed to happen.

Dinalia is questioning us.

Questioning me.

I cannot let those malicious thoughts creep into her mind.

“Dinalia, how could you do this to me? You knew Prince Aeron was my mate and yet I find you here with him. In an embrace, kissing!” Saphrina says.

“Have you confirmed the bond?” Dinalia canters. She never truly believed I was mated to Saphrina. She’s too smart and well informed of what having a mate is and means. And Saphrina and myself just do not make sense.

My eyes don’t leave Dinalia’s. She is the only one I care about here.

“Well, no. I couldn’t find him last night. He disappeared. Most everyone did, including you. That’s what I was coming to see you about this morning. But then I found this! You in the arms of my mate!”

“He is not your mate, Saphrina!” Dinalia is shouting at this point. I’ve never seen her so flamboyant. She’s defending herself. Defending us.

I slide my arm out from Saphrina’s grasp. Walking over to Dinalia. Placing my arm around her waist. Gripping her hip and pulling her closer to my side.

I don’t care if it hurts Saphrina. She needs to realize I am not hers. I never was.

Dinalia has my heart.

Saphrina stands there. Gawking at us. Frozen in place. Her mouth is gaping open.

“I don’t understand,” she begins, “I thought… Aeron, I thought you felt something for me. I thought you were my mate.”

I clear my throat, saying flatly, “I do apologize if I gave you the wrong impression but my heart has and always will be Dinalia’s.”

“I tried to deny it,” I continue, “ Knowing there are great odds and obstacles in our way. But I couldn’t.”

Dinalia starts, “Saphrina, I didn’t mean for this to happen.”

“So what? All this time you’ve been lying to me. Hiding this from me? Was this going on when I confided in you about him? Did you have a connection with him when I told you I thought he was my mate?”

I hide the smirk risking exposure on my face. Little does she know there has always been a connection between the two of us. Her thinking I was her mate was simply an open, bleeding heart wanting to be loved. And I knew exactly what to say.

“I- I’m…” Dinalia begins but Saphrina quickly cuts her off. “I don’t even want to hear it! I hate you! I hate you both! And I never want to see either of you again!”

“Saphrina!” Dinalia shouts, taking a step towards her.

“No! Don’t come near me! You betrayed me! I’ve defended you. Been there for you all these years and this is how you repay me? With treachery! By stabbing me in the back! And you!” Saphrina shouts, pointing a finger at me. “You stabbed me in the heart! You made me feel like no one ever has! You made me feel seen. Like I was more than just someone with a blessed Goddess mark.”

I snicker at that. A mark she doesn’t even have. “And what blessed mark would that be?” I say.

Saphrina freezes.

Shock and fear on her face. I can see she is stunned at the realization of what I know. She looks to Dinalia for comfort but there will be none.

Saphrina doesn’t say another word. She storms off. Exiting the room as quickly as she came.

Dinalia leans into me even more. I hardened the hold I have on her. Turning her towards me so our bodies are flushed once more.

She is my heart and soul.

And I would find her in every lifetime.