"How did you… how do you know my name?" she asked, panic sharp in her voice.
No—she was certain now. He didn't just know her name. He knew 'her'.
Tears stung her eyes. She should've trusted her instincts and run when she had the chance. Now, she'd revealed herself—to the one person who knew the truth.
gods...
What a fool she was.
How had she missed the clothes? The face?
How had she not seen it? She stood before the prince of Blackenroot—the very ones who'd cast her from her home.
Five years ago, she hadn't recognized him. It had been her first time seeing him.
But he was there.
Riding a white cheetah, golden crown glinting in the sun.
He was there when his father stormed into her house and dragged her out—her parents screaming, chasing, powerless to stop it.
He had overlooked his father when the spear pierced her parents' chests, in an attempt to save her, and when she had flown away from Blackenroot—forever banished, never to be seen again.
All those times he had been there, but she never noticed him. The true villain, the real enemy she saw back then, had been his father. Now, she saw the same predatory look, the same murderous intent in his eyes.
Anger flashed in her eyes. She should have been scared—he ruled the land, after all. But the anger, the pain she had felt that day, surged back.
'Control your emotions,' she told herself. Even when it was hard, she had to—if she wanted to be free, if she didn't want her voice to keep destroying everything.
"You knew what your voice could do, yet you return?" His voice remained calm, betraying no emotion.
"I did not return. I only came to get a plant. Once I have it, I will leave and never come back," she said, breathless. Her hands clenched into fists. Control. Control.
"Oh, did you?" He whispered, shaking his head slowly. "Because I'm afraid, this time, you've damaged something beyond repair," he said, anger lacing his words.
Karina's gaze swept over the dead plants—destroyed by her singing. Good. This was nothing compared to the devastation he and his family had caused.
His head tilted, his gaze darkening. "Do you think you can escape the consequences now?" His voice carried a hint of amusement. "I've wondered for a long time... is your gift a blessing or a curse?"
He began pacing around her, drawing closer. He leaned in, and Karina inhaled the honeyed scent that clung to him. Gods, he smelled better up close, and damn it—why was he so intoxicating?
"On that day, I wanted to stop my father," he continued, his voice lowering. "But not until I realized… the world would not crumble if you leave."
Tears threatened to fall, but Karina dug her feet into the muddy ground. How long had she felt this hatred, seen it thrown at her? Living with Granny had made her forget what it was like, how it once felt to be back here. In this place, she had only a few friends; even her parents had fewer visitors. The people had treated her as a cause, a disgrace that needed to be erased. And now, she was reminded again of how it felt.
"I hate you," she breathed quietly. He was close enough to hear her clearly.
His lips curved, and she saw the hardness in his face fade. How amusing it must be for him to see her in pain. How amusing for everyone in Blackenroot to finally see her as an outcast.
"I would not hate me if I were you," he said. To Karina's surprise, he ran his hand along the contours of her face. She shivered, intending to step back—but instead, she remained rooted, her gaze fixed on him with a mix of hate and confusion. "I'm the only one who knows you're back here. Your life is in my hands," he finished, then removed his hand and stepped back.
She no longer felt that chilling presence, but instead, the soothing night breeze. Howls echoed in the distance, jolting her and reminding her of why she was here—what she came for—and Granny still sick.
No matter how much she hated him, how badly she wanted to scratch his face, she knew he was the only one who could help her.
Her eyes dropped to her clasped hands. She bit her lip, then sighed. "I'm sorry... about the plants."
"I planted it for my mother. She never cared for flowers, so I had to keep it minimal," he replied, still watching her.
She raised her head, meeting his lion's gaze. His dark, short-trimmed hair barely framed his face. His eyes remained intent on her. She swallowed, feeling small under his unbothered stare, as if nothing in this world could faze him. "I came in search of a plant. I promise I'll leave once I find it."
"So you said," he replied with a bored tone. "What is it you want, and why?" he asked, his eyes narrowing.
Karina didn't want to tell him, but she had no choice. In this moment, she was helpless in his hands. "I'm looking for a green rose. It's a rare kind, you see, and I was singing to help me find it. I never intended to ruin your plants."
"I see." He nodded. "And?"
She gulped. "My granny is sick. It's the only thing that could cure her."
"Hmmm." He glanced across the garden, his gaze lingering on the dead plants before returning to her. "I know of the green rose."
"You do?" Karina's excitement almost made her throw her arms around him, but remembering who he was, she quickly cleared her throat and looked away.
A glint sparked in his eyes as he spoke next. "Of course I do. I'll give it to you, but then…" His voice trailed lazily.
Karina shut her eyes, muttering something incoherent. Of course, she knew what was coming next.
"I can't just give it to you for free," he said, his tone casual. "I'll need something in return."