“What?”
“Taranus killed Flora.”
Ridley’s expression morphs to rage-twisted grief, and his eyes fill. “She’s dead?” he chokes out, and I nod.
While they hadn’t been true mates, Flora and Ridley were together for a time. They loved each other until our sister was killed and he left Faerie for good. While he did find his mate in the human world, I know a part of him would always care for Flora.
Just as I knew she wished she’d have gone with him.
“I’m so sorry, brother.” I clasp the back of his neck and bring his face forward so I can rest my forehead against his.
His shoulders shake with grief, and I maintain my hold, hoping that my action is giving him even the slightest bit of comfort.
“Did she suffer?” he manages.
“No,” I lie. Knowing the truth won’t help him now. It will only make the pain worse. “She died a hero. Trying to free Ember so Taranus could not use her.”
He pulls back and angrily wipes away the tears. “She sacrificed her life for your mate?”
“I don’t know if she’s my mate,” I tell him honestly. “But yes. She sacrificed her life to free Ember so she could free me.”
A haunted smile crosses his face. “Flora was always strong, wasn’t she?”
“The strongest,” I tell him. Truth lacing every word. “Taranus will pay for what he’s done. But we need to find Ember, save her, and break the bond between them first.”
He crosses his arms. “Is that even possible?”
“I don’t know.”
Sighing, Ridley nods. “Well, if it is, I believe I know people who can help us.”