Page 105 of Twisted Bonds

As we step back onto the street, a lone figure in tattered clothes approaches us. I hold up a fist, a silent indication for those behind me to pause and take cover. All those war movies I watched are really coming in handy.

As the woman steps closer, I can see her clearly. It’s Lisa. Her face is marred by dirt and grime, a layer of soot coating her cheeks and forehead. A thin line of crimson trickles down from a gash on her brow, mixing with the filth on her skin. Her eyes are weary, but her determination shines through. “I found you!”

“What are you doing? I told you to go to the castle.”

I give the signal for our group to move, and I grab Lisa by the elbow as we trot to our next location, doing our best to dodge the falling rain. I have to think of it as rain. Anything else is too morbid. Too upsetting.

“I got halfway there, but then that guy appeared in the sky. And… I don’t know. I just didn’t want to leave you out here to face it alone.” Her voice hushes to a whisper, and I understand. I really do, but Lisa isn’t a fighter. She can’t-

I stop that train of thought. She can and she’ll have to. I pull a dagger from my belt and place it into her hands with a meaningful stare. The group finds our next location and races up the next set of stairs through someone’s home, but I pause outside and grab Lisa into a body-crushing hug.

“Please take care. If anything were to happen to you, I would never forgive myself. I’m not sure if I can keep you safe, Lisa.” My reserve of magic is dwindling. I don’t know how much longer I can keep this up.

“I came a long way to abandon you when things get real, Mira. I’m here because I want to be.”

Her voice cuts through the tense air, determined and unyielding. I know that stubborn look in her eye all too well. She’s always been fiercely loyal and never backs down from a fight. But I can’t help but worry. We’re running out of time.

I swallow a lump in my throat. I understand that feeling. That drive to make your own choices and free yourself of the expectations you’ve let others put on you. I nod my understanding and gesture for her to enter the house, but we pause as the ground beneath us shakes and rattles once more.

I fall to the ground, but still at the sight of something otherworldly emerging from a crack in the road itself. I stifle a scream as a clawed hand rips through the cobblestone, tossing them aside as it climbs onto the street. It’s winged with black scales, horns, and tail. Yet it’s not totally there. I can almost see through it, like it’s an illusion or a thick smoke. It lets out a deafening roar before taking flight.

It opens its mouth to reveal a set of sharp fangs and rips into one of the falling souls. A shrieking scream rips through the air between us as the demon eats the soul.

The horror of the scene pins me to the ground, my heart pounding against my ribs. My breath catches in my throat and I can’t tear my eyes away from the creature. I tug Lisa behind me as it circles overhead, its monstrous size casting a tall shadow.

“Let’s go!” I order over the new sounds of chaos that have erupted. The adrenaline coursing through my veins fuels a fierce strength as I violently shove Lisa towards the doorway to the building, my hands colliding with her back like a battering ram.

She takes off, dashing up the stairs to find our group waiting. I run after her, fearing that I’ve just signed both of our death warrants.

fifty-four

Dan’thiel

It is impossible to tell how much time has passed since Rynlin’s last visit. The days blur together, marked only by the significant improvements in my meals and surroundings. As I lay on the plush silk pillow, my hands resting behind my head, I replay my brief moments with Mira for what feels like the hundredth time. The memory plays out in my mind like a vivid dream, each detail crystal clear and almost tangible. The warmth in her voice. The way her soft skin felt beneath my fingers.

Face-to-face, I finally saw her as my equal. My mate. And yet…

Her eyes bore into mine with an accusatory glare, her gaze sharp as a knife. The corners of her mouth turned down in a displeased frown, and I could see the hurt and anger simmering just beneath the surface. Even the slightest touch from me caused her to flinch, a silent protest against my actions. I half expected her to retch at the mere suggestion that she might one day love me too, but instead she simply closed her eyes and took a deep breath, steeling herself against the pain of losing the Shards.

I always knew my mate would be extraordinary, but it wasn’t until that meeting until I fully understood why. When I was young, I let the ego of my birth guide that entitlement. Of course, I’d bond my mate, I thought. There was no question in my mind about the caliber of a woman she’d be.

And she is. Someone so giving and passionate about justice, about righting wrongs and helping others. And in spite of everything she’s been through, she still has that spark, that undeniable fire. It’s like she’s a beacon on the darkest night. Her strength shines through.

When I look at my own life lived, I see clearly for the first time why my mate is incredible. The universe, Chroma, the Gods, they each demand balance. For all my great birth and endless privilege, what did I accomplish? What good did I put into the world?

I failed to protect Eyveriel, failed to build a bridge between Cor’than and me after. Didn’t even try. I indulged in the chasm between us, enjoyed the rivalry. Because I always won. I was older, stronger, and selfish.

My stomach twists at the truth, and I run my hand down my face to clear the evidence of my sorrow. When I took the throne of my kingdom, I only cared for my own needs. When council members brought concerns to my attention, I replaced them with those who I knew would be as self-interested as I was.

My own people suffered because of my neglect.

Cor’than’s rule is evidence of that much for certain.

For every bit as good as Mira is, I’m her selfish counterpart. Perhaps if we’re granted a life together, she can teach me to be a better man. I can promise myself right here, and right now, that I can learn. She can teach me. Life after life, we’ll have the time to grow into a more evenly matched pairing.

I roll onto my side in the plush bed, letting the exhaustion seep through me until my tears are dry and the only words left in my head form a mantra.

I will be a better man.

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