Chapter 103 Serena
SERENA
An aneurism.
That’s what I’m choosing to blame that stupid kiss on. I wish I could take it back, if only to avoid swelling his already massive ego.
I swallow down the nerves bubbling up in my belly as I stride down the torchlit corridor. My locket warms with each step I take, the same way it did yesterday, proving my theory. I key open Kylian’s cell and step inside.
“Drink.”
His eyes drift open. I extend the waterskin to him and watch as he unscrews the cap and chugs it down within seconds. Every last drop. Without explanation, I crouch down, shoving my hand into his pocket.
“Well, hello to you too.”
“I’m not here for you.”
“Then is there something I can help you with?”
“The other half of the star.” I look up at him. He doesn’t answer. “There’s no point in denying it. I know you have it on you.”
“How, pray tell, did you come to that conclusion?”
“A little birdie told me.” I tap my locket, which is now hot to the touch, humming with energy.
“What do you need it for?”
“Cut the shit. I know that together the stars make up a key and that key is the only way to close the portal. Now give it.”
“There is no key. How many times do I have to tell you?” He fumes as I continue to accost him. “I know you think you know what you’re doing, but I am telling you now, those stars cannot be joined.”
“Why, because it would foil your plan? Oh, and pro tip—you telling me not to do something just makes me want to do it all the more. You need to learn a thing or two about reverse psychology.”
“As usual, I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Look, I don’t care what you say, I don’t care what the Fates say, I don’t even care what Arden said. I am closing that portal because I do not trust you.”
He stares at me for a long time. “I would never hurt you.”
“No, but you would hurt everyone I love, which is the same thing.”
“Everything I do and have done has been to protect you.”
I hurl a scornful laugh at him. “So we’re still sticking with that line? Please.”
“Ever since I realized you were my mate. I think deep down you know it’s the truth. Mates cannot harm one another.”
“Really? Because I drove a dagger into Zadyn’s chest, thinking he was you.”
He looks speechless.
“Give me the star.”
He reaches up to knock my hands away, but then his eyes widen, and he slumps back into the wall.
“What have you done?”
“Just a little something to help you relax.”
“Serena, do not do this. I am begging you.”
“And did you listen when I begged you?” I snarl. “When I begged you to leave Kai alone? When I begged you to let me go? I’m just returning the favor.”
“I gave you what you wanted. I left him alone.”
“After I fucked you!” My voice clamors off the walls, throwing my own harsh words back in my face. He looks physically ill. Like I just slapped him.
“You could have stopped me with a single word. I wouldn’t have—I thought it was what you wanted—”
I did.
And that sickens me to the core.
“Serena,” he pleads again, his voice choked as the paralytic I slipped into his water spreads.
Fuck. Where is it? I’ve checked every pocket on him. He has to be hiding it somehow.
Use the shadows, Furi purrs. Listen.
I try to tune Kylian out and do as she says.
When I close my eyes, I can hear them moving—whispering. I can feel them slithering across my skin. I allow them to unfurl, their coils drifting into the cell with eerie grace, swirling around Kylian’s neck like a noose.
When they recede, I can see the onyx pendant resting against his tanned chest, the one that was concealed moments ago.
Kylian strains through gritted teeth as I pull the gleaming chain over his head. It feels heavy in my hands. I crack it open and as expected, the star fragment shoots out into the cell, bounding off the walls emphatically.
“Bingo.”
Kylian mumbles something that doesn’t make sense. He tries to move, but only succeeds in trembling, the veins of his neck and arms bulging.
“Don’t worry, you’ll be able to move again in a few hours. I’d get comfy if I were you.” I give his face a loud pat and lock the cell behind me, slipping the pendant over my head and disappearing into the darkness.