Page 26 of Chains of Love

The bond is lightened with an unfamiliar warmth, and my chest tightens as I watch Lirien steady herself against a wall. Her silver hair catches the lamplight, and something shifts inside me – a protective instinct that goes beyond our magical connection.

"You're right about finding that inn," I say, but hold up a hand. "Wait here a moment."

I kneel beside the thieves, methodically checking their pockets. My fingers brush against leather pouches heavy with coin – enough to afford us decent lodging for once.

A glint of metal catches my eye. I extract a silver ring from the leader's vest, turning it over in my palm. Delicate vines wrap around the band, meeting at a small green stone that reminds me of Lirien's eyes. The craftsmanship is too fine for common thieves – likely stolen from some merchant's daughter.

Standing, I turn to face Lirien. The ring looks even more striking held up between us, the stone catching the weak lamplight. "Here."

Her eyes widen as I offer it to her. "Seriously?"

"Would you prefer I leave it with the thieves?"

"I'd prefer you not loot unconscious bodies like a common criminal."

"They attacked us first." I step closer, still holding out the ring. "Besides, I've seen you eyeing that twisted copper band you wear. This is better crafted."

She crosses her arms. "And that makes stealing it right?"

"Consider it payment for services rendered. Your magic did half the work tonight."

"Our magic," she corrects, but her fingers twitch toward the ring. "The bond made it stronger."

"Then take it as a symbol of that." The words slip out before I can stop them, heavy with meaning I'm not ready to examine.

I take her delicate hand in mine, ignoring her protests as I slide the ring onto her middle finger. The green stone catches the lamplight, matching the spark of irritation in her eyes. My thumb brushes across her knuckles as I turn her hand, admiring how the silver vines wrap around her finger like they were crafted for her.

"Perfect fit." The words are carrying an undercurrent of emotions I can't quite decipher.

Lirien yanks her hand back, tucking a wayward strand of silver hair behind her ear. The motion draws attention to the scar on her cheek – the one I gave her. Strange how that mark now fills me with regret rather than satisfaction.

"Come on," she says, swaying slightly. "I really am tired, you know."

A smirk tugs at my lips. The exhaustion in her voice brings out my teasing nature. "Want me to carry you?"

She scoffs, the sound carrying more amusement than annoyance. "In your dreams, Elf boy."

I watch Lirien walk away, the supply bag swinging at her side. The silver ring catches a glimmer of lamplight, and something warm stirs in my chest. "Every night," I mutter, shaking my head at our familiar pattern of bickering.

The words echo in my mind, and I freeze. Every night. The phrase sits heavy in my stomach as realization dawns. I've fallen into a routine with her – these little moments, the teasing, the way she pretends to be annoyed while fighting back a smile.

The strengthened bond wavers between us, and I can feel her exhaustion mingling with my own thoughts. This connection... it's more intimate than I expected. More dangerous.

My fingers brush the hilt of my sword – a warrior's comfort gesture. What have I done? A Miou warrior, bound to a human witch, and now I'm giving her jewelry like some lovesick merchant's son. The bond was meant to be tactical, nothing more.

But I can feel her presence in my mind, warm and familiar. Like coming home after battle. The thought sends a chill down my spine.

"Are you coming?" Lirien calls over her shoulder, stumbling slightly. "Or are you planning to stand there all night?"

I quicken my pace to catch up, wondering if this really is the tactical decision that I said it was.

14

LIRIEN

Idrop my pack in the corner, muscles aching from the fight. The room's small - one bed, a washbasin, and barely enough floor space for our gear. The innkeeper's knowing smile when I claimed Darak as my husband still burns in my mind.

"Husband and wife, eh?" Darak's voice drips with amusement.

---