---- 255.


    THE ULTIMATE SOLUTION SIGRID I didnt know what to say or do.


    A silent tear slipped from the corner of my eye as I stared up at the sky.


    How did I not see it before? Now, it felt so obvious.


    The man who spoke so warmly behind me, who held me and whispered words of love in my earmy matewas the very man the world called a viin.


    The most feared, the most ruthless and bloodthirsty.


    It was incredible how history could be twisted by its victors.


    ut you can keep calling me Ss.


    Honestly, Umbros doesnt feel familiar to me anymore.


    I dont like it..." "Dont say it!" I turned suddenly, pressing my hands over his mouth.


    "Your name is Ss.


    You are my Ss.


    That nam say it ever again!" Ishouted, trying not to break, as if merely avoiding the word could erase his fatethe destruction he was meant to bring.


    "Sigrid, whats wrong? Why are you crying?" He gently pulled my hand away from his lips, his face etched with deep concern.


    His fingers brushed my tears away, but they wouldnt stop falling ---- Iwas drowning in the storm of my own emotions.


    I threw my arms around him, holding him tight against my chest, desperate, wanting to tell him so many thingsbut how could I use him of a future he didnt even know? "Nothing.


    Nothing...


    I just suddenly felt afraid," 1 admitted, burying my face against his back, clinging to him.


    I had to pull myself together.


    Even if I wanted to tell him the truth, I couldnt.


    Now I understood why this damn vow of silence prevented me from speaking clearly about the future or my mission here.


    "Twas afraid of losing you," I continued, forcing my voice to remain steady.


    "Now that youre so powerful, many women will desire you.


    Maybe...


    maybe you wont be satisfied with a half- blood Selenia anymore." T swallowed the lump in my throat and blurted out the first foolish excuse that came to mind.


    His cold fingers lifted my chin, forcing me to look at him.


    I wanted to avoid his gaze, to hidebut he wouldnt let me.


    His golden eyes burned, brilliant and unwavering, I would give anything to keep them from darkening further.


    He said nothing for a few seconds, simply watching my tears.


    His jaw clenched, muscles tense, his magic dangerously unstable.


    I didnt know if he believed me.


    Ss was a very intelligent man ---- observant and perceptive.


    "That will never happen.


    Never." His voice was firm, unshakable.


    " Iwill always be with you, Sigrid.


    Always.


    My body and soul belong to you.


    Your mark is here..." He took my hand and ced it over his powerful heart.


    Its strong, steady rhythm pounded beneath my trembling fingers.


    "Its carved deep into my very being.


    Dont be afraid, my Selenia.


    1 will protect you.


    I will protect our love." His wordspletely disarmed me.


    Then, he lowered his head and kissed mehungry, desperate, filled with passion.


    My lips trembled, the salty taste of my tears mixing between us.


    This man..


    This was the man who would one day break free and ughter my entire familymy mother, my father, my grandmother, my loved ones.


    Ss lifted me effortlessly and sat down on the rooftop, not asking any more questions.


    The dawn was nearly upon us.


    The end of this bloody night.


    He stroked my waist slowly, holding me tightly against his body.


    Iy curled against him, my face buried in his neck, inhaling deeply.


    That intoxicating, spicy magic.


    My dark temptation.


    Neither of us spoke.


    Each lost in our own thoughts, our own ns.