Chapter 16

Chapter

Sixteen

ALYX

H e stares at me like I’m a stranger, and I very nearly shrink under his dark, watchful gaze until I force myself to stand taller. I refuse to be ashamed, my hand holding the blade straight and true.

His eyes dart to it, and he steps into its path, pressing the tip just above his heart, though I have no idea why. I frown as he watches me. Crux is dressed in a guard’s uniform, a major if I’m not mistaken from the marks on his shoulder.

Did he steal it or kill for it?

He looks good in it, I’ll admit, since it’s more form-fitting than his usual leathers, displaying his thick thighs and meaty arms. I can almost see his abs through the material before I drag my eyes back to his, seeing something burn in his gaze as he stares at me.

If anyone came upon us, they would see a newly appointed queen-to-be with a blade to a major’s heart, but it’s so much more than that. Despite the disguises we wear, we are the assassin and the thief king.

We are Crux and Alyx, just like we always have been, despite everything that was said.

He’s here.

Despite it all, he’s here, leaving his kingdom in the Lowers like he vowed he would never do. Why? How? I want to ask, but his mouth opens first.

“You fucking left,” he accuses.

Sighing, I drop the blade and lean back. “I told you I was.”

“I didn’t think you actually would,” he grumbles, his eyes flashing with an anger so strong, most would cut out their own hearts and hand it to him to make it stop. Mine beats faster, as if wanting to break free and fly to him. I wonder if he knows he already owns the traitorous organ in my chest. “Why are you doing this, Alyx?”

“I’m not going over this again,” I argue, ready to slip away. He slams his hand into the building, making my eyes snap back to him. I watch his nostrils flare as he slams his other hand next to me, trapping me.

We both know I could get free if I wanted, but I relax, giving Crux the benefit of the doubt. “Talk to me.” His voice changes, almost pleading, and I frown. “We don’t keep secrets, Alyx. Please, tell me why.” He swallows hard, searching my eyes.

I realise he’s trying to understand.

His anger is gone, and mine melts away in the face of his pain. Wouldn’t I be here doing the same if I were him? Taking a deep breath, I meet his eyes and decide what to say. It’s never been this hard between us before, and I hate how much we are already changing, but I know better than anyone that change comes for everyone, and what’s left after that is what’s worth fighting for.

Is Crux? Are we?

I hope so.

Leaving him behind nearly cut my soul apart.

“It’s a good job,” I start, and he snarls.

“Cut the shit, Alyx. I know you too well for you to lie to me. If you don’t want to tell me, fine, but don’t fucking insult me,” he snaps, slamming his fist next to me, but I don’t flinch like most would. I know, even in his deepest anger, Crux would never hurt me. He would rather cut himself to pieces. “Is it because of him?”

I blink. “The king?” I ask, confused.

He jerks his head in a nod, and I stifle a laugh, but he stiffens at the sound.

“That idiot? Not in the least,” I admit honestly, and he relaxes. He was truly worried about that. I don’t know how that makes me feel, so I ignore it. I know at any moment, that Joha, Orion, or someone could find us. They will look for me, so I need to get back, play this part well, and complete this job.

A lot hangs in the balance, and I know the only way I’m getting rid of him is by giving him the truth.

“If I’m here, I can finally get my revenge.” He frowns, and his brows furrow as a bird takes flight above us. For a moment, I track its path before glancing back at him, knowing he will be waiting. He would wait forever if I asked him to. That’s how Crux is. Once you have his loyalty, you have it for life. “The people who killed my family are within these walls. I finally have a chance to find the truth and get revenge for what they did.”

My heart races, and a pain that never goes away fills my chest.

I’ve not been able to draw in a full breath since that night. Crux made it better, but my chest is always tight and filled with a ball of agony. I’m close to the people who could have lifted the blade to end my family, so I can’t back down now.

He’s quiet for a moment before he pulls his hands away. “Okay.”

“Okay?” I frown. “What does that mean?”

“It means okay. If you are doing this, then we are doing this.” I blink, and he grins. “You didn’t think I was wearing this uniform just for you, did you?” He winks.

“Crux,” I begin, but he steps back.

“You better get going. Don’t worry, I’ll see you around.” He gestures to his eyes. “I have eyes and ears everywhere, Alyx. You know that. You’re not alone here. I’m here with you. You will get your revenge, and then we will go home.”

Home . . . But what will be left when we are finished?

I truly don’t know, but I nod anyway.

“Good. I have some things to do if we are going to do this right. I will find you later.” He waves me on, and I give him another searching look.

“I’m glad you’re here,” I admit before turning and slipping away. I needed him to know because I am. Knowing he has my back when the blades are coming for it settles something within me.

Crux has always been my protector, fighting at my side, and I didn’t want to do this without him, but I was prepared to.

“Alyx?” His voice is laced with humour as I glance over my shoulder at him.

He’s leaning into the wooden wall as he runs his eyes down my body, and for a moment, that usual surge of desire rushes through me, almost making me shudder as my breath catches. When his eyes meet mine again, they burn with want before he covers it with humour, and I wonder if I’m seeing things.

Crux doesn’t want me, not like that.

I would know.

“What?” I ask.

“You look good in a dress.” He chuckles, dragging his tongue along his lower lip.

Narrowing my eyes, I flip my finger at him. “Shut the fuck up.”