“This place makes the River Styx appear calm and tranquil,” Zaya muttered.
“Not all of Neptune’s areas are like this one,” Narissa murmured, her voice serene as we started walking again. “Our realm has some spectacular waterfalls. I visited them once when I was young. The creatures there were a lot more beautiful than those here in the barren lands. There are fish of all different colors, too.”
“How long have you been in the tower?” Zaya asked, her thumb drifting over my hand to warn me of an upcoming step that her mind showed me a second before I moved.
“A decade or so,” Narissa replied.
I can’t even imagine, Zaya said to me.
Neither can I.
We all walked in silence for the next hour, the sun bearing down on me causing a migraine to pulsate behind my eyes. I’d taken off my jacket and draped it over my head, but I could feel the rays of energy zapping my strength little by little.
I fucking hate the sun.
Do you need blood? Zaya asked.
I will after we’re done here, I admitted. It’ll help rejuvenate me.
You can take mine.
I smiled. You don’t want me snacking on anyone else, hmm?
No. A flat answer lacking in amusement.
I drew my thumb over her skin, giving her a gentle squeeze. You’re the only one I want, Zay.
She didn’t say anything for a long moment, but I sensed the hesitation in her mind.
I don’t want Narissa, I told her softly. Yes, she’s much more amenable than her twin sister, but I won’t marry her. Even if my mother demands it, I’m done choosing duty over my own happiness.
What do you mean? she asked softly.
I mean that I’ve chosen you, Zay.
After one night in bed together?
I scoffed at that. It’s been a lot more than a night, Zaya, and you know it. We’ve been dancing around this attraction for months.
Yet you kept bringing other women back to your rooms, she replied. Fucking them and not me.
I haven’t slept with another woman in over six months, I countered, annoyed by my past and her using it against me. And even before that, there weren’t that many women, Zay. Not after you arrived. I always put you first, and I always will.
She grew silent, mulling over my words while we traversed a few more rocky surfaces, the stench of burning flesh finally starting to subside. We were nearing the edge now. I could feel it in the air, see it in her mind, and smell the freshness of a new terrain approaching.
I’m not jealous of your past, Zaya finally said. I understand why you… enjoyed yourself. But I won’t like it if that continues.
The admission was soft. Hesitant. As if she expected me to pull away and laugh at her subtle request for commitment.
Zay, you’re the only woman I want. Not just now, but forever. I told you, I claimed you. And you claimed me. That wasn’t just bullshit, Zay. I meant it.
She didn’t reply right away, her mind processing my words. Then I felt her nod. Okay.
Okay? I repeated.
Okay, she murmured. We’re committed to each other. And you won’t marry or even look at Narissa.
I laughed out loud, startling whatever wildlife existed around us. Birds, I thought, checking Zaya’s vision. Then I chuckled again and shook my head. I can assure you, I have no interest in Narissa.