Chapter 3

Damian

Thirty-five years ago

"The heart keeps beating, even after the person you gave it to gives it back in pieces." ~ Damian

Katarina came onto me. She suggested our nightly extracurricular activities. I even had no objections when she suggested we stop using condoms. Why not? If I want children, even just daughters, Katarina will make a fine mother.

The moonlight streaming through the window casts a soft glow on her face. Her eyes sparkle with excitement and something deeper that I couldn't quite place. She whispers her desires.

When we stopped protecting, I opened my heart to the possibility of a relationship filled with love. As much love as I can give someone who isn't my fated mate. The intimacy of our shared bed, the warmth of her body next to mine, and the whispered secrets in the dark made me believe in a future with her.

I hint at forever while we fall asleep in each other's arms. She no longer wants the latex dividing our bodies for one of two reasons. She loathes aging or her clock's ticking. I convince myself of the latter. Surely, she wouldn't risk pregnancy if she didn't want a child. Our relationship has grown from casual encounters to something deeper, something that makes me wish for more.

We soon find ourselves together every day. I pick her up after a tiring day of working under the hood of a car in the shop my patér owns. The long drives we fill with laughter and shared dreams. We either cook our dinner or eat with family every night. Her parents act as if she's told them the Fates paired us. They welcomed me with open arms, their smiles genuine and warm.

She even said, "I love you," first.

I didn't feel the same at first, but I reciprocated. The old fake it until you make it theory. Which worked. I love her. Truly love her. Our love hasn't produced a child yet, but I'm certain it will. A beautiful girl with her blue eyes and my dark hair. I imagine a future filled with laughter and love, our children playing in the garden, their giggles echoing through the house.

Katarina rarely sleeps at her parents' house anymore. And the nights she does, I struggle to sleep. She too. I lost the one created for me, but that doesn't mean I'm destined to die alone.

I have a choice. I choose Katarina. Love isn't just a feeling. I'm ready to commit. We're demigods. Marriage isn't a part of our traditions, but I want her to know that she's it for me.

I prepare her favorite meal: crawfish Monica and garlic bread. I have a bottle of white wine chilling in an ice bucket. The aroma of her comfort food fills the air, reminding me of our shared moments and love.

Anjal delivered my handwritten invitation, inviting her to join me at her favorite spot in the labyrinth.

She loves fishing for catfish in the stocked pond.

I laid out a blanket for us to enjoy dinner under the stars. The night's perfect—the sky clear and the stars twinkling like diamonds.

Any minute, she'll walk up and see the beautiful arrangement I put together for this night we'll remember for the rest of our lives.

Where is she? Did Anjal give her my note? I've been waiting for over an hour. Dinner's cold. The bread is hard. I've drank all the wine.

Worry gnaws at me, growing stronger with each passing minute.

I let another hour go by before I pack up. My concern for her wellbeing is on high alert.

The walk to my house raises more questions than worries. Just because we're not fated doesn't mean I don't feel a connection. If something happened to her, I'd have felt it. I know it.

Her younger sister, Circe, sits on my front porch, clutching a letter in her fist.

"Finally," she huffs while pushing the crumpled note into my hand.

Dear Damian,

I can't do this anymore. I can't worry that at any minute you'll hear your true mate's call and leave me. It's been fun. I've met someone else. A human. He asked me to marry him, and I said yes. You won't see me again. I wish you the best.

Love,

Katarina

I read the Dear John letter a dozen times before tossing it into the fire.

I could go to her and tell her the truth. Only my pride won't let me. Not when she admits unfaithfulness.

I gave her my heart. I've been with no one else. I chose her as the mother of my children. I'd have given her all that I am, and she rejected me.

I wish her and her human the best. I won't beg. I'll shed tears tonight, but tomorrow she's a memory.