Page 269 of Tempest of Wrath and Vengeance

“What is a proving ritual?” she asked.

“I am assuming my son sacrificed greatly for you,” Xan said, his tone softening. “Perhaps nearly died? Proving he values you above all else?”

Eliza swallowed, looking over her shoulder at Razik.

It was the only answer that was needed.

“You will complete your twin flame Trials,” Xan said. “But you are hisdragocen. A bond not created by gods or designed by the Fates, but born of the stars and chaos. A pull that cannot be denied? That appeared when you both needed it most? Am I correct?”

Eliza shifted on her feet, her hands pulled into her sleeves and curling around the ends. Razik said nothing, staring coldly at his father.

“We thought it was just the twin flame bond,” Eliza said quietly, and it was only when she spoke that Razik broke his stare.

He stepped forward, wrapping his arm around her and pulling her into his chest. “It changes nothing.”

“I didn’t intend for it to,” Xan replied. “I only meant for you to properly understand.” Then his sapphire eyes landed on Luka. “Both of you.”

“If this is a bond of all the Chaos beings, then why is it calleddragocen?” Razik demanded.

“That is simply what the dragons call it. Each of the Beings of Chaos call it something different, just as each being has adapted to it differently. Dragons become obsessively protective, guarding their chosen as the treasure they are. But in the end, it is the same. A chosen inevitable.”

“That is a contradiction,” Eliza said.

“That, my dear, is Chaos,” Xan replied.

“I must go,” Cienna said, striding back into the room. Luka didn’t know where she’d gone. He’d forgotten she was even here. “With Valter free, my movements must be guarded.”

Fuck. He’d forgotten about that.

“We have time,” Luka said. “His first move will be to find Eviana. She’s locked up in Faven. He won’t leave without her.”

“But she’s not,” Eliza said.

Luka’s brow furrowed. “Yes, she is. Tessa would often visit her there.”

“She’s locked up, but not there,” Eliza replied.

“She’s in the cells beneath this house,” Razik supplied.

“What?” Luka demanded, shooting to his feet. “The bond will lead him straight here.”

“We blocked it,” Eliza said quickly. “With a Mark. He will not be able to track her. We have experience with this.”

“What are we supposed to do with her?”

Razik shrugged. “Ask Tessa. She sent Lange and Corbin to free her.”

Ask Tessa.

As if that was some simple task.

A chosen inevitable.

Eliza was right. It was a contradiction.

But what if he didn’t want to choose it anymore?

48

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