Page 89 of The Bonds of Indigo

Liar, liar.

“I… hate you… so… much…” Atlas pants as we finally reach the last incline of this lush mountainside. As far as the eye can see, there are trees and rolling greenery. Straight down is the waterfall, and beyond that, Central Lake glimmers in the distance.

It reminds me of the place Luce and I would spend time together at. The view is similar… yet different.

Amarah slips from my back and steps forward, her eyes widening as she takes in the sight. She stops just ahead of me, not taking away from the view in the slightest. Now it’s perfect.

I feel a warmth against the bond, but it’s like nothing I’ve felt before. It’s not familiar, but it doesn’t feel dangerous either.

“I can see why the Vortices are so strong here. Vendra is in everything—from the air to the soil, to the birds and plants. Here, she gets it all back.” Her lips pull into a somber smile. “When I was a kid, I’d find the highest point I could without risking a fall. I always thought that being closer to the sky, closer to the Vayl, meant I could reach up and touch my God the way she often touched me.”

Atlas’s heavy breathing is absolutely ruining the moment, and I swear I want to cover his mouth and nose. That would kill him, but Gods, could he breathe any louder?

“It was silly,” she continues, “because whether I was underground or in the sky, she was equally close. The first time I was ever cut off from her was in Thornegate. That… was the truest torture.” She takes a long, steady breath and extends her hand as if she could pluck the distant trees from the earth and cradle them.

“What I wouldn’t give to stay here forever.”

I don’t think she meant for me to hear that, so for once, I don’t comment.

“It’s beautiful,” Atlas manages between breaths. He waves a hand weakly and turns away from us, probably to find somewhere to sit before he collapses.

I move to stand beside her and take in the view myself. “It’s pretty, but I think your home is prettier.”

A soft laugh slips out of her. “Yeah, I agree. But it doesn’t take away from the beauty in front of us.” She tucks her hands behind her back, lacing her fingers together. “Both are worthy of being admired… and loved properly.”

I nod, brushing my arm lightly against hers. “Can I ask you something?”

There’s hesitation in her response. “Sure.”

“What exactly is your curse? Nocthariel, I think you called it.”

She takes a deep, steady breath. “There are many layers to the hex. I cannot do for myself, only for others. To give—never be given. To protect—never to be protected.”

“What’s that mean, non-cryptically?”

A somber laugh slips out of her, her shoulders lifting with a small spark of delight. “It’s not important.”

“It sounded bad to that Necroth.”

“It’s probably the worst hex our people can suffer, but it’s not important to our mission.” She turns as if to leave, but before she fully passes me, her hand presses softly to my chest. “I have a good feeling about this, Butcher. I’ll speak with Vendra and figure out how to open the gates so you can get to your… person.”

Before I can catch her hand, she’s already letting go and walking away.

It may not be important to the mission… but it’s important to me, Amarah.

Fuck me… it’s not the bond.

Chapter 24

The warmth of his body curved against mine is something I never allowed myself to imagine having every day. Living forever, unable to be with my own kind, I accepted long ago that I’d never have someone for my forever. I’d always lose them, outlive them, or be forced to choose between moving on or following them into the afterlife.

Maybe that’s why I’ve always been afraid to grow attached.

But I’m grateful that’s no longer the case.

I stroke my fingers through his short black hair, which has him lifting his chin to meet my gaze. His freshly fucked face is probably my favorite look.

“What?” Lucifer asks as he drags his nails along my abs. His leg is thrown over mine, his chest pressed against my side.