Page 10 of Chaos Tempted

Neven gazes at each of us. “Eldrin, your desire to heal elf-human relations is the key. Wynstelle can be the face of change. Go against Magnus’ orders and do not keep your pairing a secret. Instead, announce your bond to the realms. Your complete acceptance of a human as your equal will make the other royals question their stance and realize that your interest in Wynstelle is no fleeting whim. Wynstelle’s presence in the royal court will show our realm that there isn’t much difference between our kind, and what differences there are shouldn’t be feared.”

Wyn puts her hands up for Neven to stop. “So I’m supposed to mate with Eldrin and pretend there aren’t threats against my life? I’m supposed to put myselfandhim in further danger?”

“I suggest accepting all three offers. It will signify a human’s worth to them.” Neven eyes each of us. “From what I sense, I believe they all want you, Wynstelle.”

I clear my throat. “We do. But there was another matter we wished to address before bonding.”

“The changeling mark,” Mage Neven says with heaviness.

I lean forward in my chair, hoping I’ll hear the answers that will ease my worries. “Is the mark harming Wynstelle?”

“Wyn’s spirit is intact. She has also benefited from the changeling link so far. Twyla was able to heal her.”

I cock a brow at her inside knowledge. “How did you know about that?”

Neven taps her temple. “I had a vision, which I will not share with anyone else.”

I relax in my chair. “You suggest we mate, continue on with our lives as I had already planned it, andthatis how we can stop the war?”

“I’m saying that is all you can do for the time being,” Neven says. “I suspect the magic user who spelled the ghouls is part of why my visions of the future are unclear. I wish I had more to offer, but there are too many variables at play. But I do sense many more challenges for all of you to face. However, my intuition tells me you can only overcome it if you are bonded together.”

“I’m leaving the decision to mate up to Wynstelle.” I squeeze Wyn’s hand to reassure her that this is ultimately still her choice. “Was King Magnus behind the ghoul attacks?”

“Whoever created that spell was powerful. Unfortunately, my mage circle at the temple couldn’t track the origins. That being said, although I suspect the king was the mastermind, it couldalso be someone working independently. Yet only a few elves can actually cast a spell as powerful as this one.”

“But who could mask their signature from amage?” Jaden asks with skepticism.

Neven doesn’t react to the subtle accusation. “There are other mages with more skills than I have. Not all of them are kind. But I understand your need to question me. It’s your job. And it’s the exact reason I picked you to be Prince Eldrin’s advisor.”

Jaden nods curtly, holding back his frustration that we still have no answers.

The only solace I have is that Neven has encouraged Wyn to stay with us. If what the mage says is true, we will protect our love by being by her side.

When I glance at Jaden and Oakes, I see they have the same glimmer of hope in their eyes that Wyn will follow Neven’s guidance.

7

BONDS

WYNSTELLE

After returning to Eldrin’s quarters, the four of us collapse into chairs, dazed by the mage’s suggestion.

I realize that even for the males, it’s one thing to want something, but quite another to betoldwe are supposed to do it for the sake of the realms. But I don’t want them to bond with me for that reason. Weallneed to be free to make this life-changing decision.

“I don’t care what Neven says,” I announce. “If we don’t wish to bond, we shouldn’t be forced to.”

Jaden sits up, his dark brows pulling together over his violet eyes. “What are you saying?”

“Are you truly saying you don’t want us?” Eldrin asks.

“I didn’t say that… notexactly.” I draw in a long breath, and they wait for my explanation. “You all seemed upset by the news. Like you don’t want to betoldyou are supposed to mate with me.”

Oakes’ laughter rumbles through the room and down my body, and I can’t help but melt at the booming, toe-curling sound. “No, that isn’t the reason we’ll bond with you, but it is a great justification.”

“Justification?” I huff.

“You know what I mean,” Oakes grins devilishly.

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