Page 71 of Bonded to the Fallen Shadow King

I tapped my hand on the green leatherbound books on the shelf nearest me, beside the liquor cabinet. “I’ve tracked the star paths and constellations for years now without her. Recently, I haven’t had much time for it, but often, I look at the sky, and... well, what do you see?”

She stepped up and set her eye to the scope. “Is that star—is it changing colors and shapes?”

I leaned in beside her, breathing in her scent. “That is an echo star.” Even without seeing it, I could imagine it: the black-violet center surrounded by flares of pink and white light, beautiful and subtly changing. “As the hour passes, it will brighten along the center until you see a ring form. Eventually, the ring flashes outward. They say that if you look upon it when this happens, you can send a message to anyone who has passed from life to light.”

“Do they ever answer back?” Her hand curled over the telescope as she drew back to look at me, her expression contemplative.

“Perhaps. I like to think they do. Some say Fate writes in the stars, but I’ve never been able to read them. What I do see is beauty and a reminder that what happens here isn’t the only thing that matters. Recently, my focus has had to be on the kingdom and this realm, so much so that I’ve had time for neither peace nor joy. But now that you’re here, I feel joy at the thought of keeping my attention on this place in the world—or more specifically, on you.Youare what makes me want to continue to focus on this world.”

I took her hand in mine, the jolt of energy so damn consuming. “You were brought here against your will and because of Fate, Briar. I cannot fix that. I also cannot change the fact that I…"

I stopped myself from trying to describe what I felt for her, but in this moment, I had no doubt. My heart ached with longing. More than anything, I wanted to tell her I loved her, despite having known her for mere days.

“I want you as my own. Choosing a bride before the end of the three trials, let alone one whom the councils have not recommended, goes against every tradition. But apparently, I am my father’s son, because as he flouted their will, so too will I. Fate guided my father to my mother, and she has guided me to you.

“But I cannot speak for you, nor am I binding you to anything.

“I give you my word that I will fight for you no matter what. I will find a way to protect you. If you accept me, then I will be yours as you will be mine. And I will cherish you until the end of your days and mine. If you do not wish to be mine—” My voice tightened, and I balled my hands into fists, fighting the urge to just kiss her. These words stung even to utter, but they had to be said. “If you do not want me, I will take you to whatever place you call home when all this is over.”

Her brow furrowed.

I cleared my throat, concerned at her lack of a response.

My hands tightened as I resisted the urge to touch her or step closer. “The third trial must continue, but Iwillfind a way to protect you. I don’t yet know how, but I will. After tonight, I am certain my father will help me find a way. He chose a woman whom neither council approved of either, but I don’t think the trials were as vicious as these have been.

“Whether you say yes or no, I will protect you. And if you wish to return to your family and not make me yours, then…then I accept that as well. The thought of you dying or harmed shatters my soul.”

“Say yes or no to what?” she asked, her gaze meeting mine.

“What I am asking is... will you please accept my offer to be my queen? The one I choose above all others.”

Briar

I wanted to screamyesat the top of my lungs, but despite the way my wolf howled and my heart leapt in pure joy, two huge reasons held me back.

Vad’s wings twitched, and his forehead lined. His hands clenched at his sides, and I could have sworn they were shaking.

My heart ached. I didn’t want to be cruel, but he couldn’t truly comprehend what he was asking of me.

There was one important question I needed addressed before I could give a truthful answer. “At the beginning, you were determined not to choose a queen. You vowed not to provide love and companionship, said that you were merely fulfilling your duty to the crown. I’m not okay with that, especially since I would essentially be giving up my life and family on Earth, leaving my sister and my pack behind to live in a land that, for the most part, despises me.”

His brow furrowed, and his shoulders sagged. Then he straightened, as if he’d found the right words. "I did not want to love, because love makes one vulnerable. It destroyed my father. When my mother died, he became a shell of what he once was. He withered as the years passed, failing in many of his duties to our family. It's a harsh thing to say, but I did not want to follow in his footsteps and fail those who would depend on me in the same way.

“I also believed that love was part of what killed my mother. If she had not been blinded by her love for me, she would not have put herself at such risk.” His eyes glistened, and I’d swear I glimpsed a part of his soul before he continued, “But it seems that love is not something that can be denied. I built walls within my own heart and swore no one would ever break through, yet somehow you have. All the fears and risks that come with that are present with you, but I don’t give a feck anymore.”

His hands shook harder, and the tips of his wings twitched. “I am already lost, Briar. When you are hurt, I hurt, and having to watch you suffer while I’m unable to help or alleviate the pain drives me nearly mad. If you die, then I will be shattered. Somehow, I knew this in my heart and soul the first time I saw you in that horrible attire. All this time, I tried to protect my heart, but it was yours from the start.

“But whether or not your heart is mine, I will protect you from this point forward until my final breath. Because, Briar, I can and do promise you love, affection, loyalty, and companionship. I yearn to share all that and more with you. Even if tragedy strikes and you are taken from me, the pain will be worth it for having known you. And to be clear, I would burn the world down to save you, no matter what."

My heart leaped with joy, and I wanted to kiss him and tell him I would be his all for eternity, but there was still one thing holding me back. “And my sister?”

“I will find a way for you to see your sister whenever you want.” He placed a hand on his chest over his heart. “I vow from this breath on to ensure you are happy and protected.”

A tear trailed down my cheek as all the excuses I had not to be with him faded away. The corners of my lips lifted. “Then yes, I’ll be your queen.”

He wrapped his arms around me with the most handsome smile I’d ever seen. His eyes lightened to a bright silver gray as he wiped the tear from my cheek. “Why are you crying?”

“Because I’m so happy.” The yanking in my chest intensified. “I’ve wanted you this entire time.”

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