Chapter 422:

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Facing the truth hurt. He should know; he had been running from it for a very, very long time.

“She is yours, my dearest. Don’t throw away something so beautiful, so fulfilling, so wholesome.” Evie’s eyes were filled with melancholic tenderness. “Why dwell in the past when the present holds such promise, a chance to shape a future that could be radiant and joyful? Stop hurting yourself. It hurts me to see you like this.”

“It’s not easy,” he said hoarsely.

“I know.” Her voice grew stronger. “But the Daemonikai I know is so strong, he’s unbeatable. How can we rest peacefully, knowing our deaths pushed you this far into self-destruction?” She paused. “Why do you think our sons refuse to speak with you?”

Daemonikai’s head snapped up. “What do you mean?”

Evie moved closer, placing her other hand on his cheek. “I only speculate, but if their feelings are anything like mine, then they are burdened with guilt, pain, and deep sorrow. Seeing their father—their strong, unbreakable father—walking every edge of destruction known to our kind, it’s a heavy load to carry.”

Daemonikai averted his eyes, his chest far too heavy.

“From the feral madness to a dying soul because of them. How do you think it makes them feel?” Tears fell from his eyes.

“Your boys need to know their father is happy again. They need to see you thriving,” Evie murmured, collecting the tears with her fingertips. “You want to alleviate their guilt? Then perhaps you should start by addressing your own. How can you tell them to let go, to absolve themselves of blame, when you cannot do the same? Our intelligent sons will see through your bullshit. Before you tell them, show them.” Evie stated firmly. “Show them you have moved on, that you are in a happy place. Show them your life isn’t on hold because of what happened, because of what they believe is their fault. Show them you are not dying from it.”

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“You are burning up. I’m trying to wipe you with cold water, I hope you do not mind, your Grace?” Emeriel’s voice came in again, soft like water, an ointment to the soul.

A feeling almost like happiness bloomed in him. If his heart could beat in this spirit form, it would be racing.

Heavens, he had missed that voice…

Evie was saying he should no longer feel guilty for wanting to hear more of it?

“For a male so observant, you are an expert at ignoring what you don’t want to see.” She wiped her own tears, her lips curving. “One of those is how deeply you care for Emeriel. That’s her name, right?”

Daemonikai nodded, his cheeks going hot.

“You can’t blame your beast, or the bond, anymore, my dearest. Your beast isn’t here, and the bond is not only dormant but dying, along with your soul. They are not the reason you hear her voice now. Or why you are so desperate to hear more of it.”

“Evie, I’m sorry.” His guilt, the guilt he could no longer hide, was plain on his face for her to see. He couldn’t pretend anymore. He didn’t have the strength to keep denying it.

“Don’t be, you dumbass,” Evie said with a light chuckle. She finally withdrew her hands and stepped back. “I’m rooting for you, Daemon. I always have been. I want you to be happy. I want to look back and know my dearest is alive again. Not just breathing, but truly alive. Anyone can breathe, but not everyone truly lives. I want you to live again.”

“When she left, she took all the color with her, drowning my world in black and white. I never realized how brightly she lit up my life, from the first day I met her as Galilea, until she was gone,” Daemonikai admitted.

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