A Curse of Blood and Bone by Nicolette Elzie

Author:Nicolette Elzie [Elzie, Nicolette]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-05-15T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seventeen

Breaking the Bond

KIKI

Luna’s hands shook as she enclosed Kiki’s in her own, as if she was scared that if she let go, Kiki would vanish in an instant.

Tears glistened in Luna’s eyes as her voice trembled. “I’m so, so sorry for all the hurtful things I said last time.”

Kiki withdrew her hands from Luna’s grasp slowly before bringing her palms up to either side of her friend’s face. She settled her gaze on Luna’s eyes, hoping that the next words that came from her mouth hit home and clear any doubt Luna may harbor.

Kiki pressed her forehead to Luna’s as she said, “No, I’m the one who is sorry. I overlooked the changes in you. It’s not that I didn’t notice how different you’ve been since we crossed the Cicatrix. I blatantly pushed my concerns to the side because I was single-minded in my pursuit to rescue Yari. But that was wrong of me. I’m so very sorry. Truly. If I had been there for you, like I should have, then you probably wouldn’t have let Aurelia into your heart. She wouldn’t have had the power to hurt you.”

Tears slipped from Luna’s eyes and carved a path down her delicate features. She dropped her chin to her chest as if she was weighed down with shame. “I was a fool. I’m not like you or Solana. I’m weak.”

Kiki’s grip on Luna’s arms loosened, and her eyes softened with understanding as she spoke. She reached up and caressed Luna’s cheek with her thumb. “No,” she said. “You were hopeful. You were kind. Trusting. Compassionate. All of that makes you Luna. Don’t apologize for being exactly who you are, and don’t change just because one person fails to appreciate you.”

Luna’s lips tugged into a sad smile, and her eyes glistened with tears. Kiki wrapped her arms around Luna and drew her into a comforting hug.

“I missed you,” Luna said into her shoulder.

“Me too,” Kiki said, her voice muffled by Luna’s hair. She pulled back slightly and looked into Luna’s eyes. “I promise we’ll find Yari, and everything will go back to the way it was.”

Luna exhaled heavily, her shoulders drooping in hesitation. “I don’t think I want that,” she murmured.

Kiki’s eyebrows lifted in surprise, her mouth slightly agape.

Luna hesitantly continued, her voice barely above a whisper. “I mean, I want to help break the curse, but I like it here. The air is always filled with the aroma of freshly baked goods. The people here are warm, and they treat us like family. I feel safe.”

Kiki stared at her friend, her mouth still open in disbelief. “Luna, we’re in more danger than we’ve ever been. We’re in the very core of the monster’s lair. How can you say any of that?”

Luna avoided Kiki’s gaze as she mumbled her apology. “Never mind. It’s stupid anyway.”

Kiki let out a sigh and rubbed her forehead, regret filling her eyes. “I’m sorry. I’ve done it again. I’m not actually listening to you, and I’m sorry. I still don’t get why you want to stay, but I’m ready to listen and understand.

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