“No. Not Mars. You. Mars was a tool. You, Warden, are a treasure.”
He almost couldn’t process the compliment. A treasure? Him?
Overcome, he enfolded her in his arms. “If you think I would change anything that has happened, you are wrong. You have Isla. Now I have you both.”
She only sobbed harder. Never having comforted a crying female before, he wasn’t sure how to proceed. But he loved this specific female, and he only wished to see her happy. Therefore, he gave it his best. As gently as possible, Roux wiped her tears away. He stroked her hair. Kissed her brow. Offered soft words of assurance.
“You are a warrior, Lyla. A goddess. Stronger than anyone I’ve ever encountered. I will do everything in my power to help you get through this. Isla, too. This I now truly comprehend—pain is no match for love.”
After a while, she calmed. Exhaling a shuddering breath, she traced an X over his chest. “You are pretty wonderful, you know that, Roux?”
His eyes widened. First a treasure, now wonderful. “I’m unsure how to respond.”
She took pity on him and changed the subject. “We probably need to talk about the blessing task before we exchange accolades.”
Yes. “I won’t be killing you. That is an unshakable certainty.”
“Condemn yourself and the other Astra to five hundred years of defeat, allowing Erebus to ascend? No. That doesn’t work for me. Not after what you’ve done for me, Isla, and yes, Laban. Besides, I like having you around.”
As a strangled sound brewed in the back of his throat, he scrubbed a hand down his face. “I can’t hurt you.” Not ever again. “I won’t.”
“And that’s exactly what my father is counting on. After everything he’s done, we cannot allow him to win. Maybe, if I cut out my own heart with trinite, sacrificing myself, I’ll revive as Taliyah did during Roc’s task.”
“No. I have to be the one to wield the blade.” A cold sweat spread across his skin. “Maybe...maybe we can gift the Ation crown to another, and I can kill her? You haven’t donned the circlet yet, so you aren’t technically queen. There’s time.”
She shook her head with assurance. “I’m the only Ation female here, and I earned that headpiece. It’s mine. But don’t worry. I have another idea about how to handle our situation. Something an oracle said is rattling around in the back of my mind, and I think I’m beginning to understand what she meant. I just need to ponder it further.”
“Tell me.” Please. “Put me out of my misery.”
“Nope. Sorry. Too many prying ears. I don’t want anyone taking measures to stop me.”
“Someone isalreadytaking measures to stop you. Erebus and his Blade of Destiny.”
“Not with this. Just...trust me. Okay? Let me make a grand gesture to win your affections. It’s my turn.”
“Youalreadymade a grand gesture and own all my affections. There’s nothing left for anyone else, I promise you.” Trusting had never come easy for him. Took years for the Astra to demolish his defenses. But this was his Lyla. Thegravitahe loved. The female who’d chosen him. “But,” he said. “Yes, I will trust you with my most valuable possession.”
Her most sensual, calculated smile bloomed, and he drew in a deep breath. “Oh, I’m your possession, am I?” Her voice dropped to a throaty purr. “I guess I’m okay with that because you are mine.”
How he loved when she staked her claim.
“I want you, Roux.”
The soft statement nearly set his cells on fire. “After everything that’s happened...everything that’s going to happen...are you sure?” He refused to take advantage of her while she was at her most vulnerable.
“Babe, I’ve gonehourswithout your stardust,” she said, kissing the hollow of his neck. Then she dragged a claw tip down the center of his shirt, slicing the garment in two. The sides gaped open, and she swooped down to lick his skin. “Do you want me, too?”
“More than I’ve ever wanted anything,” he rasped, his palms burning. Already stardust was rising, ready to paint her soft flesh.
“Then take me. I’m yours. Now and forever.”
“Now and forever.” He wasted no more time. He clasped her nape and claimed her lips with his own.
Their tongues thrust together, already frenzied. He shredded her clothes, and rolled her to her back, pinning her to the mattress with his weight. But he didn’t take her right away. Though he was half-mad with desire for her, he lifted his head and met her glittering gaze.
“I have a fantasy.” He rubbed the tip of his nose against hers.
“Oh, yeah?” Grinning, she reached around to grip his backside. “Tell me. Maybe I’ll do it...”