Marie Harte - Aftershocks

It won’t end until you end it . His conscience wouldn’t let it go, and he couldn’t forget the warning from the demons caging Lexa. A life for a life . He grimaced, knowing what he had to do to make things right. ‘Sin Garu deserved what fate held in store for him. And Arim planned on serving it to him with both hands. The Tetrarch was reborn. Four Storm Lords, four affai, four territories strong and true.

But at what cost?

He narrowed his gaze on Lexa’s bloodless lips and shadowed eyes. Knowing they were alone, that she couldn’t hear him, he felt it safe to hold her hand tightly in his. “As soon as you wake, Lexa, we’re going to have a talk. Then I’ll see to your—” He cut himself off, aware she had never before referred to ‘Sin Garu as anything but a Dark Lord, and never, ever, as her brother. Out of respect for her, he rubbed her hand softly and continued, “Then I’ll see to ‘Sin Garu. I’m waiting, Lexa. I’ve always been waiting,” he murmured as he watched her, unaware that the gentling of his touch had reached his voice.

Behind him, his sister stood watching with a quiet smile.