The Knight (The Heir #1.5)

22. Chapter 21

Chapter 21

" R y," she whispered again. I squeezed her hand, and she smiled, her brilliant green eyes anchoring me. I sat up as best I could. It hurt, but I needed her nearer, closer. I pulled her to me. She was against my chest and crying. "I thought I lost you," she sobbed.

"Never," I smiled. She sat up in my arms, moving the tears from her eyes, confusion in them as she saw me. I smiled. "You could never lose me," I said.

"Ryker," she said, and I felt it in her melody, through her feelings—feelings of love. Her love swarmed me through her melody. It covered my entire body and made me feel like I could fly.

"Emma," I choked out. It was all I could say, it seemed.

"Ryker. I’m so, so happy that you’re safe," she whispered, her eyes tearful yet holding a hopeful spark inside of them that made me feel warm inside.

"Me, safe? Princess, of course? I was about to die when Keil pulled me away from the cave, but I passed out. My body is weak," I said as I pulled her to me even closer. “But not too weak for this.” The heat between us grew so powerful, so beautiful and perfect that I couldn't hold back anymore. I couldn't resist. I kissed her cheek. "I was so afraid, afraid that I had failed you yet again." I trailed kisses to her jaw, then neck and throat, and it felt different–something ached inside me but I tried to ignore it. I could not believe what I was doing. She wrapped her arms around my neck and leaned against my chest.

“I love you so much, Ry, you are the best friend and my family–” she whispered as tears stained her cheeks. She kissed my cheeks and forehead. I knew it then; her feelings swarmed me. But, just as soon as they came, she was out of my arms so fast that I almost thought it was all in my head.

"Emma, get away from him," I turned to look at who spoke, but I unfortunately knew the voice all too well. His arms were wrapped around her stomach. She didn't move away from him, only looked surprised.

"This is none of your business, Prince Shad." I snarled as I watched him pull Emma into his arms tighter.

"I think you need your rest, Ry. I’m so glad that you’re okay," she added with tears streaming down her cheeks, and fear—fear was all I saw in her eyes and soul, and it pained me.

"Emma, you don't have to go," I pleaded, looking behind her to an altered Shad who I almost did not recognize. His eyes were black, and there was no melody around him. I heard Emma’s melody ache at the loss of him, the loss of Shad’s soul. How had I not noticed it before? Her pain was so powerful.

"Mary wanted me to go back to our room a long time ago anyway. I will come see you tomorrow."

"Keep your hands to yourself, Shad," I growled.

"Sleep well." He smiled as he pulled Emma away and out the door, trailing his hand down her arm and watching me, as if mocking me.

I ached everywhere, not just physically, but my very soul ached, too—the loss of her was too much. When giving away a heart, there is no guarantee that it won't break. No wonder I had kept my soul shielded. How had I forgotten that I shouldn't kiss her? Had I just ruined everything?

The darkness in the hospital room was equal to my sorrow, as happy—perfect memories of Emma plagued me. Eventually, exhaustion overtook my body, but even as I slept, lightning grey eyes and vibrant green Terran eyes haunted me. I felt pain at kissing Emma, as if I had betrayed Ana, and yet a slight happiness at the closeness Emma and I just shared. I tried to close the box and lock it up again that night, adding Emma inside of it. I tried to catch every memory, every touch, and every word spoken between us. I tried to lock them up, to stop the pain, but I couldn't. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't fix the box. The lock was broken, the lid was cracked, and my feelings were there, raw and spilling out.

Hours later, as darkness swarmed in, and I started to fall into the nothingness of sleep, three words fell from my lips—three words, with three pleas. One plea to the Ancients, one plea to the Lamont, and one to Ana:

“Please forgive me—”

Then, there was blackness again.