“What would you know?” Martin spat. “You have everything, and I have nothing.”
Loss and frustration emanated from the kid. His face was twisted in an ugly scowl, his fists clenched, and his body held tight. He was full of aggression and power, and he had no way to express it.
“Martin, you can’t keep yearning for what you don’t have,” Onyx said. “It’s only going to cause you more pain. You have good things here, really good things. You have a beautiful mate, a loving sister, and I’m here to support you in any way you need.”
Martin stared at the ground, breathing heavily. Onyx hoped his words had gotten through to the boy, but it didn’t look like it.
He’s beyond hearing me. Nothing is making sense to him. He still hasn’t dealt with the anger and loss of his parents’ death.
“Come on, Martin,” Azura said, rubbing his arm gently. “Let’s head back to the palace. We’ll find something to do there and get you cheered up, okay?”
Martin looked at her as if she had sprouted two extra heads. Onyx knew that the boy felt so isolated and angry that everything seemed like an insult.
I have to reach him.
Azura started leading him to the car. Kyra gave Onyx a wide-eyed look.
“Should I come along?”
“Maybe, not yet, Kyra,” he answered. “He’s going to need you soon, more than he knows. But his pride has taken a terrible blow right now. I’ll have an attendant escort you to the palace this afternoon if you like.”
“I would,” she said, watching Martin walk away. “I love him so much. I just want to make him happy.”
“I know how you feel,” he said softly. He gave her shoulder a sympathetic pat before he turned to follow Azura and Martin.
He, of all people, understood what the poor girl was going through, but there was no help for it. In the end, much of it was up to Martin.