Page 131 of Stolen
Our bond has made us more than lovers.
More than mates.
It’s made us readers of each other’s souls.
His pride pulses through thezarethnow, a comforting thrum against my skin as I lean into his side.
The children settle quickly, eager for today’s legend.
Today, we’re readingThe Three Stones of Seryth, a Nightfall tale about a lost prince, the woman he falls in love with, and the magic they forge between them.
I wonder if Alaric chose it on purpose.
He often does things like that—tiny, hidden gestures only I notice.
It makes me fall harder.
Each day, I love him more. Not just because of the way he looks at me like I’m his whole sky, or the way he listens even when I ramble, or how he makes love like it’s a vow.
But because of this life we’re building.
Where he gives me room to grow.
Where I want to grow.
I glance over at him as the children open their scrolls, their little fingers tracing painted moons and golden ink.
Alaric meets my gaze and smiles.
And it takes everything in me not to blurt it out.
I think I’m pregnant.
Instead, I place a hand low over my belly and let myself simply feel the moment.
The joy. The hope. The wild, impossible beauty of it all.
Tomorrow, maybe.
Tomorrow, I’ll tell him.
“Your thoughts are loud, Myrrin,” Alaric murmurs, voice low and thick with meaning as the children begin to gather their things at the end of the lesson.
He motions for Shade to take over the reading of the tale as he walks me into the hall for some privacy.
His hand remains at the small of my back, grounding me. Anchoring me.
“I will call my personal physician to the Eyrie tonight,” he says, silver eyes gleaming with pride.
My breath catches.
“You know?” I whisper, blinking up at him as tears threaten to well in my eyes.
He turns to face me fully then, the din of little voices falling away like mist as his silver gaze searches mine. His expression is reverent, almost stunned with joy.
“Of course I know,” he says, brushing a knuckle gently along my cheek. “Your soul speaks to mine, viyella. Every beat of your heart echoes in my chest. And so does theirs.”
I gasp, my eyes widening.
