Page 66 of Eternal Thorns

He pointed to a passage where Marcus had documented an unexpected magical surge:

During today's lesson, our magic combined with unprecedented strength. The entire grove responded, ancient powers awakening at our joint call. T. says such resonance should be impossible without centuries of practice. Yet it feels natural, like remembering something my blood always knew.

“Sounds familiar,” Kai observed with a knowing smirk.

It did. Silas's own experiences with Thorne carried that same sense of natural harmony, of connection that transcended mere magical theory.

“You're going to have to talk about this eventually,” Kai said quietly.

“I know.” Silas traced another line of Thorne's handwriting. “But how do you even begin that conversation?”

The key practically burned at this admission.

The manor's wards pulsed with renewed strength, responding to this moment of pure honesty. Ancient magic recognized truth freely given, connection chosen despite knowing its cost.

A flash of sprite-light interrupted Silas's thoughts as Briar materialized beside the desk, her freckles pulsing with unusual urgency. Her usual mischievous grin was replaced by something more serious.

“Message from your forest guardian,” she said, holding out a piece of parchment that glowed with combined human and fey magic. “And before you ask - yes, it's important, no, I don't know what it says, and yes, he was doing that brooding-but-determined thing he does when making big decisions.”

The key practically vibrated against Silas's chest as he took the spelled message. The parchment felt warm to touch, carrying traces of Thorne's power woven through with something that felt surprisingly like hope.

“He said to tell you it has to be your choice,” Briar added, her glow dimming slightly. “Something about no prophecy or destiny forcing your hand.”.

He was going to try and open the letter but Briar stopped him.

“Just...” The sprite's freckles flickered nervously. “I've known him for centuries, you know? Watched him hide behind frost and shadow because he thought it was safer. But the way he looks at you...” She took a deep breath. “Whatever that message says, whatever choice he's asking you to make - just remember you're not the only one risking everything here.”

And then, the library's magical currents shifted. Agnes stepped through the doorway, her practical dress stained with herbs and her clouded eyes sharp with purpose.

“I didn't hear you come in,” Silas managed, carefully setting aside Thorne's unopened message.

“The manor lets me come and go as I please.” Agnes moved to the windows, running her fingers along the glass where frost patterns matched the key's engravings.

“This connection between you,” Agnes continued, turning to face him properly. “It's different from anything in the records. No previous Ashworth ever bonded with a guardian like this. Not even Marcus, for all his ambition and charm.”

“Different how?” Silas asked, though part of him already knew.

“Previous partnerships were political, magical, intellectual. Important, yes, but ultimately professional.” She gestured at the silver light still dancing between journal pages. “What's forming between you and Thorne goes soul-deep. You're not just working with forest magic, you're transforming how it flows between realms entirely.”

Agnes began unpacking her supplies - herbs and crystals he recognized from their previous lessons, but also things that made his magical senses tingle with warning.

“The shadow entity's influence spreads,” she said, laying out her tools with methodical precision. “Not just here or in the forest, but in the nearby villages. Three children fell ill yesterday with symptoms no natural magic can touch. A well that's served the community for generations now pulls up water that tastes of grief.”

“Show me how to stop it,” Silas said, standing to help Agnes with her preparations.

Her clouded eyes fixed on him with uncomfortable intensity. “That's just it, isn't it? Your bond for him makes you powerful enough to fight this darkness. But that same love gives the entity its greatest strength.”

“Is that what this is? Everything's happened so fast. We barely know each other, and yet...” He trailed off, unable to findwords for the bone-deep certainty he felt whenever Thorne was near.

Agnes's laugh held surprising warmth. “You think time dictates the heart? Some souls recognize each other instantly - like rivers remembering their path to the sea. What you and Thorne share isn't some fleeting infatuation. It's a connection that transcends ordinary measures.”

“But-”

“Stop thinking like a noble,” she cut him off. “Always wanting everything categorized and proper. Magic doesn't follow social conventions, and neither does the heart. What matters isn't how long you've known each other, but how completely you see each other.”

Her words rang true against something deep in his chest. Every moment with Thorne felt like remembering rather than discovering. As if his soul had been waiting to find its other half.

Together they began reinforcing the manor's defenses, Agnes guiding Silas through increasingly complex protections. But something had changed in how his magic responded. Spells that should have required intense concentration now flowed naturally.

---