#Chapter 221 – Hope Returns

Lila “You should rest,” Damon said from behind me. His voice carried not a single hint of power or command. “I will,” I answered, though we both knew I wouldn’t. He stepped closer. The air shifted. “Come back with me.” I turned to face him and saw the hope written in every line of his body. “The palace isn’t home without you,” he said, eyes never leaving mine. “The council’s fractured but I’d like to return and fix it – for our people, for us…” He paused and looked towards the twins’ room, “For them.” “You’re asking me to walk back into the place that nearly broke me,” I said softly. “No,” he murmured, voice unsteady. “I’m asking you to rebuild it with me, together.” Something in me stilled. Damon was taking a fresh start to heart. He wasn’t making demands as a King or mate, he was asking me to help. I looked past him feeling the hurt of every memory that waited behind those palace walls before shaking my head to let them go. Fresh start. And then, I nodded. “I’ll