Page 37 of Bound By the Wraith: Northern Realms

She kissed him softly. “So, what’re you thinking about so intently?”

“Oh, whether I tell Caleb some news I’ve had for some time. I mean, it could start a conflict. It’ll probably start a conflict.”

“Does it have to do with that woman in the orb?”

Cillian nodded. “Caleb usually passes by about now. I’m waiting for him.”

“You’ve grown soft.” Cali kissed him on the tip of his nose. “I like this caring Cillian.”

He grunted again. “No. It’s a matter of power.”

“Uh-huh, nothing to do about love?”

He rolled his eyes. “Okay, maybe a little bit about love.”

Just then, Caleb walked through the tree line. Cali had only known him for a month, but she always thought him sad, and if he was separated from someone he cared about, then she could understand why.

“Caleb,” Cillian called.

Caleb glared at them, but walked over. “What do you want, wraith?”

“Oh, that’s not nice. I was going to be nice to him,” Cillian teased.

Cali elbowed him in the ribs. “No games.”

Cillian winced. “Fine. I have some information for you.”

Caleb crossed his arms and cocked an eyebrow. “Really? I’m listening.”

“Colette is alive,” Cillian stated. “And, she has a child. Your child.”

Caleb’s eyes widened. “How do you…”

“I used to read minds,” Cillian explained. “I found her, before I lost my realm. She is alive, as is your son. He’s about two now, but they’re both being held captive. As collateral.”

“Where?” Caleb asked, his voice cold, which sent a shiver down Cali’s spine.

“Tiene’s prison. Elven realm. Before you march off there, you’ll have to formulate a plan and you’re going to need help. Not hotheaded punching and chest beating. You’ll need your brothers.”

Caleb’s eyes narrowed. “Why are you telling me this? What do you want?”

“Nothing,” Cillian stated. “Tiene did you wrong. It is your revenge to take. I know what it’s like to be separated from a loved one. You deserve your happiness. You all do.”

Caleb nodded. “Thank you, Cillian.”

Cillian nodded. “No sense in hiding your secret any longer. You might as well tell your siblings. Go save your loved one, Caleb.”

Caleb disappeared, back toward where Adam lived.

Cillian sighed and turned to Cali, finding her eyes filled with tears. “What?”

“You are a softy.”

Cillian groaned. “I think I should be rewarded for my good deed, don’t you think?”

Cali chuckled and stood up, pulled her sweater off and tossed it at him. “Oh, I think we can work out an arrangement.”

The next day

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