Rise (The Order of the Krigers #1)(44)

I entered Morlet’s bedchamber. He stood in front of a window, staring outside. His cape lay nearby, draped over the back of a chair.

His hands gripped the window ledge, and his shoulders hunched forward. “You came,” he said, his voice ragged.

“Yes,” I replied. “Can we talk?”

He straightened and turned around to face me. I’d forgotten how intimidating and handsome he was. Clasping his hands behind his back, he asked, “What would you like to discuss?”

I took a tentative step toward him. “I’ve heard stories of what happened and how you came into power, but I’d like to hear your version.”

“How will you know if I’m being honest?” He strolled over to the fireplace, staring at the flames.

That was the problem—I had no way of knowing; yet, I was willing to take that chance.

“If I tell you my story, I want something in return.”

Of course he did. “What is it?”

Morlet motioned for me to move closer. We now stood only a foot apart. His bright blue eyes reflected the dancing flames, mesmerizing me.

“Come to the castle so we can end this together.”

Did he honestly think I’d willingly go to him so he could kill me? “Tell me your story, and I’ll consider it.”

He grinned. “No you won’t.”

“Never mind.” I turned to put some distance between us.

“Wait.” Morlet grabbed my arm. “Please don’t go. I need you.”

I glanced at his hand, surprised by his touch. He released me, his blue eyes revealing emotions he kept hidden from the world. Maybe he would open up and trust me, and then we could find a way to fix this mess without a fight or anyone dying.

Morlet reached out, cupping my cheek in his hand. “What is it about you that I find so appealing? You’re by no means elegant or a great beauty,” he whispered. “You’re a Kriger—a warrior. Yet, I feel a desire to be near you.”

I swatted his hand away. “If you’re not going to tell me the truth, then I have no reason to stay.”

Two soft hands touched my neck, startling me. “Kaia,” Morlet whispered. “I’ve longed to tell you the truth, but I’m afraid of your reaction.”

We were only a couple of inches apart. His hands slid to my shoulders, sending a soothing warmth through me. “If you stay, then I will tell you everything.”

I stood on the edge of a great cliff. One step forward, and I’d fall to my death. I couldn’t remain on that ledge, always wondering, and never moving. Taking a deep breath, I said, “Okay.”

Once the word was out, there was no going back.





Chapter Thirteen


Morlet’s hands dropped from my shoulders, and he moved to the window, staring outside into the night. In the distance, tall apartment buildings were crammed together, lights flickering in a few of the windows.

“I’ve never shared this story with anyone,” he said, his voice barely audible. “No one has ever asked or cared before.”

Sitting on the chair next to his bed, I patiently waited for him to tell me what happened all those years ago.

“Quite simply, I’m Morlet Forseve—the dark force—because I fell in love with a girl.” He turned around, leaning against the window ledge, watching me closely. “Not what you expected, is it?”

I shook my head, unable to utter a single word.

A ghost of a smile flitted across his face. “I met a commoner and fell in love. We wished to marry and have a family. When I sought permission from my parents to wed her, they refused. They said she was beneath me and not befitting for someone of my station.” He closed his eyes, lost in the painful memory. “Their reasoning didn’t make any sense. After all, I was only a second son, and my older brother was set to inherit everything. Why did it matter who I married? So we ran away,” he whispered. “I planned to defy my parents and marry her.” His eyes met mine as if he expected me to criticize him.

“What happened?”

“We fled to the Forest of a Thousand Lakes and stumbled across a small hut. Not knowing who lived there, we knocked on the door, seeking shelter for the night. An elderly woman invited us in, fed us dinner. We told her our story. She said she could help by taking care of my parents so I could marry the girl I loved.” He rubbed his hands over his face. “I was hesitant to accept her offer. It seemed as if my mind was clouded by something brewing over the fire. However, my betrothed encouraged me to take the deal. I was young and naive, so I agreed.”

Morlet’s eyes glossed over, and he moved to the hearth, facing the fire. I watched his back, hoping he’d continue to speak.

“The elderly woman was Skog Heks—the evil witch of Nelebek who wields dark magic. The witch hired an assassin from a neighboring kingdom to hunt down and kill my parents and brother. When word came that they were dead, I was devastated. I went straight to Skog Heks and confronted her. When we made our deal, she never said anything about killing them—she was supposed to change their minds. She laughed in my face and cast a spell to force me to do whatever she wanted.” His shoulders were tense as he spoke. “I fought her, and somehow her magic left her body and ended up inside of mine.” He raised his arms and then let them fall to his sides. “I have Skog Heks’s magic stuck in me.” He slowly turned around and faced me. “I live in darkness. Never aging, never changing, until the evil magic is transferred back to its rightful owner.”