Page 29 of Surrendered to Mate

Cassius nods slowly, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "I won't lie, having you along would be incredibly helpful. Your knowledge of the area, your skills... not to mention your personal experience with Liiandor."

I wince at the mention of the dark elf city, but I know he's right. "Plus," I add, "I need to get out of this forest anyway. The dark elves are getting bolder, coming closer. It's only a matter of time before they find me again."

"So, partners then?" Cassius holds out his hand, his eyes locked on mine.

I hesitate for just a moment before grasping his hand. His skin is cool against mine, but there's an undeniable spark at the contact. "Partners," I agree.

As we shake on it, I can't help but feel like I'm stepping off a cliff into the unknown. But for the first time in years, I'm not facing that unknown alone.

"So," I say, pulling my hand back and trying to ignore the lingering tingle in my fingers, "what's our next move, pretty boy?"

His eyes rake over me before a grin pulls across his face. "You tell me. You know I like a girl that takes charge." He winks.

I glance between Cassius and the tablet fragment, an idea forming in my mind. "Hey, why don't we try combining them? Maybe we'll be able to read the whole message."

Cassius's brow furrows, hesitation clear in his dark eyes. "I'm not sure that's wise, sweetheart. We don't know what kind of magic might be released. It could alert the dark elves to our location."

I roll my eyes, unable to hide my impatience. "Come on. If it was going to do that, it already would have. The magic let us take the tablets for a reason. What's the worst that could happen?"

He raises an eyebrow. "Famous last words."

Despite his reservations, I can see curiosity burning in his eyes. I press on, "Look, we need answers. This might be our only chance to get them."

Cassius sighs, relenting. "Fine. But if this goes sideways, I'm blaming you."

"Fair enough," I grin.

Turning back the way we came, I lead us to where we left Cassius' tablet. I slip inside to grab it, and when I come back out, I can already see the half in his hand glowing brighter.

We stand facing each other, each holding our fragment. The air around us seems to thicken with anticipation.

"On three?" I suggest.

Cassius nods, his muscles tensing. "One... two... three."

We bring the pieces together. For a moment, nothing happens. Then, a blinding light erupts from the seam where the fragments meet. I feel a surge of energy course through my body, starting from my hands and spreading outward. It's like lightning in my veins, exhilarating and terrifying all at once.

The tablet grows warm in my grasp, almost uncomfortably so. I can't let go, though – it's as if my hands are fused to the stone. Through the glare, I see Cassius in a similar state, his eyes wide with shock.

The magic swirls around us, creating a vortex of shimmering energy. It feels alive, sentient even, as it envelops us both. I can sense it probing, searching, binding us together in ways I don't fully understand.

As suddenly as it began, the light fades. The forest around us comes back into focus, leaves rustling in a breeze that wasn't there before. I look down at my hands, surprised to find themempty. The tablet, now whole, lies between Cassius and me, symbols glowing with a soft, pulsing light.

"Well, I'll be damned, sweetheart." Cassius lets out a low whistle. "It worked."

14

CASSIUS

Istare at the tablet, its symbols pulsing with an otherworldly glow. Faye leans in close, her scent filling my nostrils. It's distracting, but I force myself to focus on the task at hand.

"Any idea what these squiggles mean?" Faye asks, tracing a finger along the edge of the stone.

I smirk. "Give me a minute. It's not exactly light reading."

As I study the symbols, something clicks in my mind. The characters start to make sense, as if I've known this language all along. It must be a side effect of the binding magic—our newfound connection allowing me to tap into ancient knowledge. I decide to keep that tidbit to myself for now.

"Well?" Faye prods, impatience clear in her voice.

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