Spring (Evermore Academy #2) - Audrey Grey Page 0,109

think love is a poison disguised as a cure? That humans are fools for believing in it? That my mother once said those very words and I would rather cut out my own tongue than utter them?”

I flinch from the bitterness in his voice. The pain. “Here’s my truth. I think what you feel for me scares you. I think it terrifies you. So you rely on a bond of magic rather than risk opening your heart to me.”

His silence scares me. Infuriates me. I can see him building a wall between us as real as if it were mortar and brick.

In my desperation, I try to shatter it. “The truth is, I think you’re a coward. Afraid to love me. And if that’s true . . . you don’t deserve me.”

His face closes off, and I know—I just know I’ve lost him. He dons the cruel, impenetrable mask from the first time I saw him. “I think it’s clear that I can never give you what you desire.”

Words lodge in my throat. Words I imagine saying but can’t quite utter. Wait. That came out wrong. I don’t want us to end this way.

But maybe he isn’t a coward. Maybe he’s the brave one for finally saying what we both know.

Valerian Sylverfrost will never be able to look me in the eyes and say, “I love you.” And perhaps that shouldn’t be important. Perhaps what he offered me should be enough.

But it isn’t. It never will be.

Laughter and whispering remind me that we’re front and center, on display for everyone. I look around at all the Evermore watching us. A few take videos with their phones.

Tears prick the corners of my eyes.

No. I will not give them the satisfaction.

Wiping my nose on my forearm, I dart away from Valerian and through the tangle of Evermore. Some grab at my dress. My hair. They call me horrible names. Laugh at me.

Inara and the new Six sneer as I race past, leaving a trail of dandelion heads floating in the air.

Her hate-filled look promises retribution for Valerian’s slight.

Part of me is relieved that he doesn’t go after me. But that’s when it really hits that we’re over. This, us, the whole mate thing, whatever we wanted to call it.

It wasn’t enough to make him trust me.

To love me.

When I reach the stone walkway that tunnels beneath the main hall to the other side, I let the tears fall. Let the rush of my emotions from everything that’s happened over the school year flood me until I’m choking with quiet sobs.

This entire year can go straight to hell.

Sniffling, I enter the dim tunnel. The sounds of revelry and laughter echo off the walls, growing quieter the farther I press into the darkness.

I quicken my pace. There’s no lanterns to chase back the shadows. Only the meager light from a lamppost on the main lawn in the distance. It’s yellow glow glistens off the stone walls as I near the end.

A stairwell opens up on my right. It’s layered in shadows. On instinct, I press against the wall, recoiling from what I cannot see—but feel. The prickle against my skin that means I’m being watched.

“That was an entertaining show you two put on,” comes a soft, lazy voice.

Hellebore.

My gut tightens as fear slowly wends its way through my heart.

The Spring Court heir has finally come to collect his part of the bargain.

38

I know running is pointless. That’s what he wants. But my body screams to flee, my thigh muscles quivering in anticipation. My lungs greedily sucking in air as I prepare to dart toward the light.

“Run, and I’ll make this even worse for you.” He slips from the shadows, the yellow light from the lamppost reflecting off the buttons on his green vest, embroidered with fuchsia oleanders and tiny gold daggers. “I see you liked my gift.”

Panting, I try to retreat, only to feel the rough stone wall scrape my bare back. His eyes travel the length of my dress.

Frick. I pinch the fabric of my skirt, dandelion heads blowing in the faint shafts of lamplight piercing the dimness. “This was you?”

“Fae hells, you’re adorable. Of course it was me.”

He prowls toward me, and I raise my hands. I already know I’m going to fight. I’m not prepared. I thought there would be some sort of warning before he requested my part of the bargain. Time to enact my plan.

“Why now?” I demand.

He flicks up an eyebrow. “Simple. Your Winter Prince is all but