Chapter 4

Desmond fisted his hands by his sides lest he chase after Erela. It wouldn't be seemly for a Dark Lord to lower himself in such a fashion. Yet, with Erela, he ever played the besotted fool.

So smitten, when she disappeared and the tie between them was severed, he'd believed the worst. Thought she'd died.

Never even looked.

And then when the rumors surfacedÉlies filled his ears about her making a mockery of their love. In time, as his heart hardened, he'd found it easier to believe that she'd used him. Chose the nasty gossip of those who didn't know Erela to sway his emotions.

I didn't have faith in our love.

She was right to hate him and push him away. He didn't deserve her, not yet.

Worthiness was required, and for that, he needed to hand her the heads of her enemies on a platter. Maybe with the mouths stuffed with a juicy pomum, the bodies slow-roasted so the skin crackled and the flesh remained tender.