Cross to Bear Book 2
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Silver Taurus
Gelesen
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Amari's life takes a dark turn when she reveals a secret that isolates her from her friends and leads to a series of supernatural attacks. Rescued by Maximus, she discovers her cursed lineage and the dangerous powers she possesses. As she navigates a world of witches, vampires, and dragons, Amari must confront her past, control her newfound abilities, and decide whom to trust. With her life and the fate of her kingdom at stake, Amari embarks on a perilous journey to break her curse and reclaim her destiny.
The Beginning
Book Two: Bearer of the Curse
âAmari is faced with a tough decision: Maximus, Lorcan, or Azriel? Itâs not an easy choice, especially as her powers are coming to life, marks are appearing, and secrets are being uncovered. The more she learns about her past and her curse, the more uncertain she becomes about her future among those she calls family...â
AMARI
The only sound I could hear was the drip of water. With wet hair and leaning against the bathtub, I focused on the faucet. The gloomy sky outside was the only source of light in the bathroom.
My mind drifted back to yesterday. The way everyone looked at me made me feel guilty. But was it really so wrong to keep that secret to myself?
I felt like they were judging me, calling me a coward. But that wasnât my intention. I just didnât want to be a burden to anyone. So why was it so wrong to keep it from them?
When I finally told them the truth, they all left. Their faces were filled with confusion, anger, sadness, painâall the wrong emotions.
Azriel was the last one to leave, but not before he turned his back on me and left me feeling utterly alone.
I sighed and turned around in the bathtub, staring at the white ceiling. What was I supposed to do now? Beg for forgiveness, wait for a solution, or just cry my heart out?
I found it all so frustrating. I needed to toughen up and take control. I wanted to live my life, or at least what was left of it.
I raised my hand and looked at the rune. It glowed softly. Lowering my gaze, I traced my scars. My pale skin was marred with thick red scars, and I cringed just thinking about how I got them.
A knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. Water still dripped down my arm as I frowned slightly.
âWhoâs there?â I asked, my voice sounding rough. I cleared my throat, wondering who it could be.
âPrincess, youâve been in the bathroom for an hour. Are you okay?â Jonathanâs voice came from the other side of the door. I gripped the edge of the bathtub.
âYes,â I lied. I wasnât okay, not really. But I had to pretend if I wanted to get out of here. âIâll be out soon.â
I stood up and looked at my reflection in the mirror. My chocolate-brown hair clung to my body like a second skin. It had grown out; it was time for a haircut.
***
âThis should do,â I muttered, looking at my newly cut hair.
My long brown hair had needed a cut, so I chopped off half of it. Now it fell just below my shoulders. I smiled at my reflection, dusted off the loose hair, and started to clean up.
Once I was done and dressed, I opened the bathroom door, only to find Lilith standing there with a tray in her hands. She gasped.
âWhat did you do?â Lilith asked, setting the tray down and coming over to me. She turned me around and gasped again. I rolled my eyes at her dramatic reaction.
âYou cut your hair, Amari! Why?â
âI was bored with it,â I said, pushing her hands away. I walked over to the bed, grabbed my nightgown, and headed back into the bathroom.
âBut why?â Lilith asked again.
âWhatâs the problem?â I snapped, annoyed. Lilith backed away, clearly taken aback by my irritation. I didnât mean to be rude, but I wasnât in the mood for questions.
âNothing,â Lilith whispered, looking away.
Without another word, I closed the bathroom door and changed into my nightgown. I was exhausted and needed sleep. As I adjusted my nightgown, I heard thunder.
I glanced out the window. A massive storm was rolling in. Perfect sleeping weather, I thought, heading back to the room.
Lilith was sitting by the fireplace when I looked her way. She was holding a warm cup of cocoa.
âI... I brought you something,â Lilith mumbled.
âIâm going to take a nap,â I said, climbing into bed. I knew why Lilith was here. She wanted to ask about the curse.
âYou havenât eaten since yesterday, Amari,â Lilith said.
âIâm not hungry,â I said, closing my eyes.
After a few minutes of silence, I opened my eyes. Lilith was still in the room, but she was quiet. The only sounds were the crackling fire and the storm outside.
I had my back to her, but I could feel her watching me. What was she thinking? I didnât know. Too tired to care, I drifted off to sleep.
***
I woke to the sound of thunder. It was pitch black. Did I sleep in? I yawned and sat up, looking around. The room was dark. Someone had put out the fire.
Another clap of thunder sounded close by, and I looked out the window. It was pouring rain.
I watched the lightning outside, feeling a strange sense of unease. As I leaned back against the headboard, I saw a shadow pass by.
I immediately turned my head toward the window. What was that?
With a frown, I shrugged off my unease and decided to dive into a book. Nestled comfortably in bed, I flicked on the bedside lamp and picked up the book Iâd left on the nightstand. It was a book about curses that Iâd found in Lorcanâs library.
Just last night, weâd all returned home. Everyone, Maximus included, was staying in Lorcanâs palace. But since weâd come back, the only person Iâd run into was Lilith.
I flipped open the book to where Iâd left off. Pages filled with descriptions of various curses lay before me. But none of them mentioned a curse that could be cast through death.
I found that strange. If such a curse didnât exist or had never been used before, then how did I end up cursed?
I kept my eyes peeled, hoping to find some clue about my own curse. I saw a shadow move again, this time within the room. I lifted my head, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. Was I just imagining things?
After looking around several times, I realized I was alone. It seemed my lack of sleep was starting to mess with my head.
Deciding it was best to try and get some sleep, I closed the book and put it back on the nightstand. I switched off the light and lay back down. With a sigh, I decided to try and sleep.
Outside, thunder rumbled as I tossed and turned in bed. I was restless. Groaning, I opened my eyes and stared at the blue and gold drapes hanging from the canopy bed.
Was it the rain that was keeping me awake? I closed my eyes slowly and sighed. Then, feeling something cold touch my arm, I snapped my eyes open.
I inhaled sharply, trying to scream, but the figure silenced me.
A black shadow loomed over me. My eyes wide and filled with tears, I stared at the faceless figure. As I tried to move, I felt his icy hand cover my face.
A shiver ran down my spine the longer I stared at it. Was he trying to suffocate me?
I kicked and tried to scream, but it was no use. As I closed my eyes and gathered my strength, I heard the bedroom door slam against the wall.
I struggled as I heard a familiar voice. I opened my eyes and scrambled against the headboard, finally letting out a scream.
Terrified, someone embraced me. I tried to push the person away, but his hold only tightened.
âCalm down, Amari, youâre safe now,â Maximus said, tracing small circles on my back. I sobbed against his chest as the cold sensation left on my face sent shivers down my spine.
From a distance, I heard footsteps.
âAMARI?â Azriel called as I felt him approach. âWhat did you do?â he asked Maximus.
âNothing, I just saved her!â Maximus retorted, his voice a low growl.
âSaved her? From what?â Lilith asked, as everyone waited for his response.
âA Daeva,â Maximus whispered, causing me to tense up.
A Daeva was a brutal, beast-like demon controlled by black magic. They were invisible except for their shadows.
They had long claws, superhuman strength, and the ability to teleport. They could attack when someone summoned them and designated a target.
âA Daeva?â Lilith repeated, her brow furrowed. âImpossible.â
âNo,â Azriel said as he gripped my chin, forcing me to look at him. âLook,â he said, directing everyoneâs attention to my face. Confused, I looked at him.
âWhatâs on my face?â I asked, my voice shaking.
âA mark. The Daevaâs hand,â Azriel whispered, his brow furrowed. Over his shoulder, I saw Lorcan frowning. He turned and walked out, leaving me bewildered.
âIâll bring you some tea,â Lilith said as she also left. Panting, I swallowed hard. I hadnât realized I was clutching Maximusâs pants. Feeling his hand on my back, I looked up.
âYouâll be okay, alright?â Maximus said, offering a comforting smile. I nodded as I sighed. Then, feeling Azrielâs presence, I looked his way.
He seemed lost in thought as he got up and walked toward the balcony. Opening the door, he peered outside.
âAre you okay? Feeling better?â Maximus whispered, his hand gently caressing my face. Taking a deep breath, I nodded. Then, resting my head on his bare chest, I tried to relax.
Something about having him close was soothing. Letting out another sigh, I calmed my body. My eyes started to droop as he kissed my forehead, and I fell asleep in his warm embrace.
***
âIs she still asleep?â a familiar voice asked as I stirred in bed. I felt something hard but warm next to me. Sleepily, I moved closer and hugged it. I felt at peace sleeping.
âIt seems sheâs not planning on letting you go, King.â
Frowning, I slowly opened my eyes. The storm had passed, and the sun was shining into my room.
âGood morning, dear,â Lilith said as I frowned at her. She was standing next to the bed as I frowned and saw a body next to me.
Pulling back, I stared in shock. I had my arms wrapped around his waist, and there was a bit of drool on his chest. Eyes wide, I let go and looked at the poor victim of my drooling.
âMaximus?â I was taken aback. He started chuckling as I looked between him and Lilith. Confused, thinking that maybe I was in someone elseâs room, I started to panic and looked around.
âThis is your bedroom,â Maximus said, smiling at me.
âW-what happened?â I was completely lost.
âLast night, you dozed off in my arms,â Maximus shared.
âAnd you wouldnât release the poor guy,â Lilith chimed in, her laughter filling the room. âHe was stuck here.â
âI-Iâm sorry,â I stammered, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
Maximus just smiled at me. He ran his fingers through his hair, sat up, and stretched.
âIâll leave you ladies to chat,â he said, rising to his feet and walking away. I watched him go, my eyes tracing the sway of his hips, the ripple of muscles on his back. I swallowed hard.
âEyes front,â Lilith commanded, startling me. âYou planning on trailing after him?â
âNo!â I protested, my gaze dropping to my hands. I felt her sit next to me, her hand enveloping mine in a comforting squeeze.
âDo you remember what happened last night?â Lilith asked, her voice suddenly serious.
The memory hit me like a punchâthe Daeva.
âStay calm, okay? Itâs not normal for something like that to happen, but my brothers are on it.â
âOn it?â I echoed, my brow furrowing in confusion.
âYeah,â Lilith confirmed, rubbing her nose. âA Daeva is a peculiar creature. They havenât been seen in nearly a hundred years.
âSo Lorcan and Azriel found it odd, especially since the palace is supposed to be protected. No demon should be able to get in.â
âThen how?â I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Lilith rose to her feet and began pacing. I watched her, her black hair swaying with each step.
âI honestly have no idea,â she admitted. âIf they broke the barrier, Lorcan should have sensed it. But it was King Maximus who knew you were in danger.â
âI see,â I murmured, looking away.
âI donât want you worrying about that. Letâs get you dressed and head to breakfast, okay?â Lilith suggested, her smile returning. I returned her smile and began to get out of bed.
***
âRemind me again, why do I have to wear this?â I asked Lilith as she pulled me down the hallway.
After an hour of debating over my outfit, Lilith finally settled on something provocative. I adjusted the top of the dress, the corset squeezing my breasts. âThis is absurd!â
âQuit complaining, darling,â Lilith retorted, shooting me a glare over her shoulder. She fanned herself as she quickened her pace towards the dining room. The guards at the entrance greeted us as we arrived.
As the doors swung open, I let go of Lilith and tried to adjust my uncomfortable clothes. I was dressed in a long green skirt, a white top, and a brown corset cinching my waist.
Muttering under my breath, I tugged the corset up. Then, without looking, I walked over and pulled out a chair. I was so focused on my task that I didnât notice the room had gone silent.
âYou cut your hair?â someone asked.
âYeah,â I mumbled, still wrestling with the corset. âDamn this thing!â
âYou might as well take it off,â the same voice suggested.
âSure,â I agreed absentmindedly, too distracted to pay much attention. Standing up, I loosened the corset strings and felt the pressure around my chest ease.
Sighing in relief, I finally looked up and found everyone staring at me, their eyes wide and mouths agape. âWhat?â
I glanced around the room, my gaze landing on Alastairâs smirking face. I frowned, my eyes darting from one shocked face to another until they landed on Lilith.
âWhy are you staring at me?â I asked her, my frown deepening. I took a seat, picked up my cup of tea, and began to sip. The room remained silent as we ate our breakfast.
Once I was full, I excused myself and stood up.
âWhere are you going?â Lorcan asked.
Everyone had been acting strange, treating me differently.
âOut for a walk,â I replied, meeting his gaze. His gray eyes were intense. I knew he was upset about the secret Iâd kept from him, but I wasnât about to beg for their forgiveness.
âNo,â Lorcan said, resting his chin on his hands, âyou should stay inside.â
âNo,â I shot back.
âAmari!â Lorcan hissed. What was his problem?
âLet her go,â Maximus interjected. Lorcan shot him a furious glare.
âNo, not when a Daiva might be lurking,â Lorcan argued, standing so abruptly his chair scraped against the marble floor. âShe stays inside, and thatâs final.â
âLorcan!â I protested, my hands balling into fists. âIâm going for a walk. Nothing will happen.â
âYou canât be sure!â Lorcan retorted. I scoffed, turned on my heel, and stormed out of the room. âCOME BACK HERE!â
I stomped down the hall, my heart pounding. Why was he so angry? Nothing would happen if I went for a walk. Daevas only attacked at night.
âAmari, I told you to stop!â Lorcan shouted, grabbing my arm. I yanked my arm away, my nails digging into his skin in my anger.
âLet go, Lorcan!â I snapped.
âAmari, youâre being so immature!â Lorcanâs voice was a harsh whisper, his fingers digging into my arm. âQuit acting like a damn kid! Canât you see youâre just stirring up trouble?â
I stared at him, my teeth clenched. Then, with a swift movement, I slapped him across the face, my breath coming in short gasps.
âMaybe I am immature, but at least I care about myself! Thatâs why I never wanted to share my problems with you or anyone else. You all just see me as a nuisance!â I shot back at him.
Lorcan turned his face away, his hand cradling his reddened cheek.
âYou donât need to worry about me! Just leave me alone!â
âEnough!â A voice, filled with anger, cut through the tension. I jerked my head up, looking past Lorcan. Lilith was glaring at me, her eyes blazing. âWeâre just trying to keep you safe, Amari! Canât you see that?â
I stared back at them, panting heavily.
âIâve never needed anyone to protect me or keep me safe. Iâve always fought my own battles, alone. And just because I shared my secret with you doesnât mean I need your help.
âI had everything under control,â I said, meeting their icy stares. Their cold looks only fueled my anger. âJust leave me alone.â
I turned on my heel and started to walk away.
âUnder control?â Lorcanâs voice was barely audible. I paused, glancing over my shoulder. âIs dying your idea of having things under control?â
âBelieve it or not, for me it is,â I muttered. âYouâll never understand.â
âMaybe I wonât understand, but thatâs not a solution. Donât you want to live?â Lorcan asked.
His question made me flinch. I turned back to see Alastair standing off to the side. My gaze swept the room, finally landing on Maximus, still seated at the dining table.
âAnswer me, Amari!â Lorcanâs voice was a growl. I looked away.
âI often ask myself the same question,â I whispered, âbut donât worry.â
âWhat?â Lilith sounded confused.
âI said donât worry,â I repeated.
âWhy?â Lilith asked, moving closer.
âIâm leaving,â I said quietly. Lorcanâs eyes widened, panic flashing across his face.
âLeaving?â Lorcanâs voice was a whisper. I nodded, keeping my gaze steady on him. He reached out to me, but I stepped back.
He bit his lip, looking down at the floor. His hair fell forward, hiding his face. âWhere will you go?â
âIâm going back with Maximus,â I said, my eyes shifting to Maximus, who stiffened at my words.
âWhat did you say?â Lorcanâs voice was a hiss as I kept my gaze on Maximus.
âI said Iâm going back with Maximus. Iâm going back with him,â I repeated. Suddenly, Lorcanâs hands were on my shoulders, shaking me.
âYou canât go!â Lorcanâs voice was a snarl. His fingers dug into my skin.
âStop it!â I pushed him away. âYouâre hurting me, Lorcan!â
âBrother, stop it!â Lilithâs voice was filled with worry as she grabbed his shoulders. âBrother!â
A figure stepped between us, grabbing Lorcanâs arm to stop him.
âLorcan!â Maximusâs voice was firm, causing Lorcan to hiss. His teeth lengthened as he pushed against Maximus.
âIf thatâs what you want, then fine, leave,â Lorcan spat, âbut donât come running back to me.â
He gave Maximus one last look before turning and leaving. I wrapped my arms around myself, the pain from Lorcanâs grip still lingering. Lilith gave me an apologetic look before excusing herself, leaving Maximus and me alone.
âLet me see,â Maximus said, examining my arms. The red marks from Lorcanâs grip were starting to show.
âIâm fine,â I mumbled. Maximus gently lifted my chin, his red eyes meeting my blue ones. He didnât say anything.
âWere you serious?â Maximus asked after a moment of silence. I could see hope in his eyes as he waited for my answer.
It might have been a terrible mistake, but I knew I would feel better once I was away from there. And it would be easier to disappear once I was at his place.
âYes,â I whispered, âI want to go back.â
