Page 82 of Twisted Bonds

“We have to,” Callum responds. “It’s the only way to know for sure he won’t turn on us at a crucial moment. I don’t want him by my side as I’m facing down Yurghen. I won’t leave it up to chance.”

They have a point, and I find myself wavering in my resolve. Would I feel safe with him watching my back while I face Yurghen again? My eyes drift to the other three fae standing around me, and in my heart, I know they are right. I trust them each with my life. But Tairyn… I can’t.

His words ricochet through me, leaving a dull ache in my chest. I glance at Tairyn, who seems unfazed by the outcome, his face an unreadable mask.

“And you guys decided this when?”

“Just now,” Sunder says, his chestnut eyes glinting with a hint of defiance as he shrugs. “It makes sense.”

“I see,” I respond, my voice hollow. They have their heads on straight, no doubt about that. But something inside me - some small space of softness for Tairyn - recoils at the decision.

“Fine,” Tairyn says, his voice cold and detached. “But you’re making a mistake.”

“Perhaps,” Sunder replies, crossing his arms over his broad chest. “But it’s one I’m willing to make.”

He climbs to his feet, brushing off his pants in a movement that is too controlled to be real. He turns on his heel and stalks down the path the other man took, each step measured and deliberate. My heart races as I watch him walk away, my mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions.

“Wait,” I call out, my voice barely above a whisper.

Tairyn stops in his tracks, but doesn’t turn to face me. The others exchange glances, their expressions a mix of concern and irritation. Closing the distance, I take a deep breath and steel myself for what I’m about to say.

My hands tremble as I reach out to touch his face, a mix of longing and frustration coursing through me. The roughness of his stubble against my palms sends shivers down my spine, but as I lock eyes with him, I can sense the tension between us. Is this a mistake? Should I really be doing this? My thoughts are in chaos as our breaths intertwine and I struggle to make a decision.

“You’ll miss your ride, Mira.” His voice is icy calm, but his eyes trace every inch of my face. A hint of his usual amusement twinkles at the corner of his lips, and my gut twists.

“So much for the no touching rule,” I say with a sad smile, my thumb running along the edge of his sharp jaw as I memorize the lines of his face. I bite my bottom lip, glancing back at Sunder just as the air behind him shimmers. Bobble notices it and quickly grabs hold of Sunder and Callum.

“Mira! We have to go!”

“I’ve broken them all, nin anto anna.” Tairyn’s voice is soft, hypnotic, as his words wrap around me like a warm blanket. His breath dances and swirls in the air, creating a cloud of enchantment that seems to hold me in its grasp despite the others yelling for me.

“What do you mean?”

“Mira! Now!”

Bobble’s command cuts through the air like a knife, breaking the spell between us. “Take care of yourself, Tairyn,” I say, each word feeling like a jagged shard of glass lodged in my throat. I pop up onto my tippy toes and plant a soft kiss on his cheek.

The flash of pain in his emerald eyes is fleeting, as he averts his gaze. I swallow the lump in my throat as I take off at a run towards where Sunder, Bobble, and Callum wave me on.

Faster.

Faster.

I sprint towards them, and we intertwine, using our Chroma as a collective force. The portal opens up completely, encompassing us with a shroud of shimmering magic.

My mind flashes back to the first night in my room when he started training me to use my red Chroma.

First rule: don’t fall in love with me, I’d told him in jest at the time. My heart leaps into my throat, stuttering at the realization as his last words echo in my mind. I’ve broken them all.

I steal one final glance over my shoulder, my heart heavy as I watch Tairyn fade into the darkness, his shoulders slumping in defeat.

forty

Sunder

The portal is disorienting as we hurdle through magical tunnels, hoping it drops us near Valenfall. I swear I’ll kill Tairyn if this is some kind of trap, Shard or no Shard.

In my left hand is Mira’s, which I squeeze three times to let her know I’m here with her. In my other hand, is Bobble’s. His grip is firm, his large hand practically swallowing mine. For a terrifying moment, everything blurs out, and the howling, rushing sounds of the portal fill my ears with a deafening roar. As abruptly as the journey begins, it ends.

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