Charmed By The Fox's Heart: Superhero Reverse Harem Romance (Cosmic Guardians Book 1), стр. 47
Each step fills me with dread. I do not want to continue, but I must know the truth. I need to understand exactly what happened so I can avoid the mistakes of the past. I cannot lose Kyra—not now. Not after we have found each other after all this time.
As if sensing my discomfort, she squeezes my hand as her blue eyes look up into mine.
“Whatever we find, Cael, it does not matter. I love you, and nothing will ever change that.”
The mage’s head turns back a bit and she slows her steps as if trying to listen to our conversation. There is something about her that has me on edge, so I make sure to keep my eyes trained on her at all times as we follow behind her.
We continue down a long, dark hallway, and flashes of memory begin to surface in my mind. I came this way many times after Alora’s death. I remember it well. The guilt that consumed me was more than I could bear. The last time I came here, it was with a resolve to right things—no matter the cost to myself.
We reach a set of intricately carved metal doors. The finish, worn with age, reflects the glowing sphere as we approach. The mage raises her hand, and the doors open as if of their own accord, the groan of the hinges echoing eerily along the walls. She gestures for us to go inside, and for a moment, I cannot move.
I’m frozen in place as dread trickles down my spine. Kyra turns to me and stretches up on her toes. She wraps her arms around me, running her delicate fingers through the hair at the nape of my neck as she rests her forehead against mine.
“Whatever we find here, we are in this together. Nothing will change how I feel for you, Cael. You are mine. I want you and no other.”
I notice the mage stiffen slightly at her words, but she says nothing.
We walk inside, and my eyes go to the large stone slab—the tomb of my beloved. My breath hitches in my throat, my entire body trembling as we approach. Emotions overwhelm me, and I fall to my knees before it as a tear slips down my cheek.
Kyra kneels beside me, wrapping her arm around my waist as she hugs me close.
“I lost you,” my voice quavers. “It was my fault you died.”
“What do you mean?”
Images fill my mind as the memories return.
“There was an ancient prophecy of the queen—the Chosen One. It said she would be murdered. She was destined to be slain by someone she loved.”
“What are you talking about?” Kyra’s eyes search mine.
Emotions lodge in my throat and I cannot speak around them.
The mage steps before us and continues, staring down at me with a look I cannot quite discern. “Because of the prophecy, the royal family dictated each queen would take a harem. They would not only help her to wield and control her powers, they would protect her at all times.”
I reach out and gently touch Kyra’s face. “But you refused to take any others because of me. Because I did not want to share you. I was selfish and—”
She shakes her head. “No, Cael. It was my decision, too. I remember that. It was my choice.”
“It cost you your life, Kyra.”
Her brow furrows softly. “I don’t understand. How?”
The mage stares at me accusingly as she answers Kyra. “In his desperation to protect you from the prophecy, he made a deal with one of my brethren… or so he thought. It was a dark mage that deceived him—a follower of the God of Destruction.”
She continues. “They poisoned his mind, and he turned against us. You were murdered by the very man you loved. If you’d had a harem, they would have protected you, but because you did not, the one who was supposed to be your sole protector is the one who was responsible for your death.”
A deep ache settles in my chest as overwhelming pain and grief wash through me, and I feel as if I’m drowning.
Kyra gives me a pained look. “I don’t believe it.” Her head snaps toward the mage. “You’re lying.”
“Tell her.” The mage gives me an icy glare. “Tell her the truth. I can see in your eyes that you remember.”
I look down at my hands, remembering the blood that stained them that terrible night. “It’s true,” I barely manage. “I was placed under a spell. Dark mages stormed the castle. They attacked but I fought them back, slashing through them with my sword. We barely escaped; I was wounded in the process. We hid deep in the tunnels beneath the palace. But when we were alone, the dark mage I’d bargained with entered my mind.”
I close my eyes against the pain, unable to look into the eyes of my beloved. “You begged me, Kyra. You pleaded with me not to harm you. But I was no longer in control.” My voice breaks on the last word. “The moment it was done, I came back to myself, but it was too late. You died in my arms, trying to comfort me. Telling me it wasn’t my fault, but it was.”
“No, it wasn’t,” she protests. “It wasn’t your fault. They poisoned your mind.”
“Don’t you understand?” I grip her shoulders firmly. “If I hadn’t been jealous, you would have had a harem. You would have been protected. It was my selfishness that—”
“Stop! I don’t care what you say. I will never blame you, Cael. I love you. Can’t you see that? I always have.”
The mage looks at Kyra in disbelief. “Even now, you would make excuses for the man responsible for your death? I will not allow history to repeat itself,” she grits through her teeth. She raises her hands and I notice a flash of silver metal suspended between her palms. My eyes