Page 129 of Fated

“Our magic merged. It came together, sealing our souls and the bond between us.”

I blinked, processing his words. “So, does that mean we have a piece of each other’s magic now? Can I make you see a room full of unicorns and rainbows whenever I want?”

Ash laughed. “Well, since you’ve replaced Xanth as the sole heir to my Heir power, technically, yes, you can wield my magic. But since I’m not an heir to yours, it only goes one way.”

My eyes widened, stunned by the revelation, not just that I could now use his power, but also that I was the new heir to his Heir power.

“But there hasn’t been a fated pair in this kingdom … Well, not for my entire life. The library in Cresinthia would be the best place to learn about the bond,” Ash added.

That bit of information sent a ripple of shock through me. Madam Pearl had stated it was rare, but I hadn’t realized it wasthatrare. “So why us? Why now?”

“I don’t remember much, but from the little history I remember learning about as a child, fated pairs appeared when the world needed powerful leaders to guide it. Once peace returns, the gift can go dormant for long stretches of time.”

“So, we might be the first of a group of other fated pairs?”

Ash shrugged. “It’s possible. “

A moment later, a spark of curiosity danced in his eyes. “You know what my magic feels like. Can you sense it inside you?”

I focused on my own golden river, then imagined the wayAsh’s power felt filling me. And then, I found it—an emerald-green river of magic, unmistakably Ash’s, sitting beside my own.

“I found it.” I smiled excitedly.

Ash’s smile mirrored mine as he took my hand, lifting it toward the vanity.

“Command that hairbrush to come to you.”

My heart raced. Could I really do it?

I chewed my lip and concentrated, opening my hand, letting a sliver of Ash’s magic flow out of me as I focused on the brush. I watched in awe as the hairbrush responded to me, soaring through the air and landing perfectly in my palm.

“Incredible! Your control is absolutely phenomenal.” Ash’s voice brimmed with pride.

I blushed at his praise, feeling warmth blossoming in my chest.

Still smiling, Ash wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close as if he couldn’t bear even a whisper of space between us. “You’re spectacular,” he murmured into my hair, his voice filled with awe as he pressed a tender kiss to the crown of my head. “I don’t have the words to tell you how much you mean to me.”

“Tonight was …” I began, struggling to capture the enormity of the moment.

“It was everything,” he finished softly, his hand tracing soothing circles along my back as I rested my head against his chest.

Ash tightened his embrace, his voice dropping to a reverent tone. “No, it was more than everything. It was the best night of my life, Areya. Nothing has ever come close to this. To us.”

“Mine too,” I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper. Before I could say anything more, a yawn escaped me.

“Sleep, my queen,” Ash purred, his voice gentle—a soothingbalm that wrapped around me like the warmest blanket. “Let me hold you.”

“I’m so happy, Ash. I don’t think I can sleep,” I protested, though another yawn escaped before I could stop it.

He chuckled softly; the sound rumbling in his chest beneath my cheek and tightened his arms around me. “Then just rest here, in my arms, knowing you’ve made me the happiest man alive.”

A deep sense of peace settled over me, unlike anything I’d ever experienced. The restless magic that had always simmered beneath the surface, urging me toward Ash, had finally stilled, as though it had found its home.

It felt as though my soul had found its missing piece. Everything inside me was at ease, perfectly aligned, perfectly whole. I melted into Ash’s embrace, his scent enveloping me, the familiar, calming comfort of him wrapping around my heart.

It had never been compulsion drawing me to him. It had always been him. Always Ash. He was mine, and I was his. This wasn’t just where I wanted to be—this was where I was meant to be. My heart swelled with the realization that I had found my true home.

Not a place, but a person. Him.

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