Page 155 of Heart Cradle
Maeve nodded. “We weren’t just moving together. We were fighting as one. When I struck at the captains near the centre, the Chain had already lit the path. When I struck, it didn’t feel like aiming. It felt like letting go.” She paused. “And they fell, because the Chain knew where to strike, not me.”
The silence in the stable was heavy, awe and joy mingled with a tinge of apprehension. Then Callix, broke it. “That’s… incredible. The Chain may be storing reactive combat algorithms, etched runes that mirror her battle aura.”
Vaelwyn gently raised a hand, eyes still on Maeve. “Or it may simply be sentient.”
Maeve met her gaze.
Orilan’s voice was low. “I think it knew you could return it and it stayed with you once it felt that you’d need it… that we all would need it.”
Yendel finally spoke again. “And if it’s adapting to the bond, then whatever happens when you and Jeipier fly next, it may change again.”
Maeve looked to Jeipier, he was watching her, quietly proud.
“Is it alright if we fly?” she asked, aloud this time. “With everyone watching?”
“Always,” Jeipier said. “When I fly with you, I am never afraid.”
Callix bounded forwards, parchment in hand, already mid-spiel. “Alright, we’re watching for four core variables, response time, rune emergence, energy transference, and dual-channel resonance. Basically, if the Chain glows, pulses, or wraps you in magic, we want to know how and why. Got it?”
Maeve blinked. “So… just fly?”
Callix beamed. “With purpose.”
Eiran stepped in, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “With care, please.”
Maeve gave a tight nod and turned towards Jeipier, who had already crouched in anticipation. The saddle straps clicked into place. The leather was still new, shaped perfectly to her and Jeipier’s muscles rippled beneath her thighs, warm and steady.
“You’re nervous”,he said gently, only in her mind.
“I’m tired, and it’s been a lot, but yes,”she replied, adjusting her jacket.“I’m nervous.”
“Then let me carry you. We’re in this together.”
She touched the Chain. “Let’s try it, Jei.”
With a leap and a sweep of red-veined wings, they launched. The stables dropped away beneath them, the air cool and sharp in her lungs. Maeve let him stretch out, circling the Keep, letting him show off in spirals, dips and a sudden upward snap that left her breathless.
She smiled despite herself, but her limbs still ached. Her chest felt tight, too much, too soon.
“Maeve,”Jeipier murmured again, calm. “You don’t have to be perfect, just with me.”
Her throat tightened. “Alright then. Let’s do it.”
She raised her wrist, heart hammering, voice low but clear. “Armour… for both of us, please.”
The Chain flared, hot and sudden. Molten gold raced across her arm and chest, down to her boots, then out. It leapt from her chest to Jeipier’s back, spilling over his shoulders, curling along his wings and down his spine like living flame. Runes ignited along his sides, glowing against russet scales. She gasped as it settled, weightless but present, pulsing in sync with their shared heartbeat, and then, together, they soared. Higher, faster with magic streaming behind them and the sky cracked open with light.
From the training circle below, they all looked up as the sky ignited. A streak of gold and fire tore across the morning air, two shapes entwined, runes and sigils flaring and fading like lightning made language. Jeipier dove, wings slicing the wind, his smooth scales now traced in glowing script. Maeve leaned low in the saddle, golden armour catching the sun, blade sheathed but radiant at her side.
Orilan swore under his breath. “Gods damn me, she will save us all.”
Callix had dropped his parchment. “That’s… she… she’s syncing full-cycle. On the first flight, this isn’t theoretical anymore, she has to master this.”
“She will,” Eiran said sharply. “The Chain connected with her. She wears it for the realm, she will be our queen one day and she’ll do more than master it. She’ll command it.”
Orilan didn’t argue, he just nodded, eyes still skyward. “She’ll redefine what a monarch looks like.”
Vaelwyn’s voice was calm, analytical. “The Chain hasn’t ever shown sentience. This level of response suggests it’s not only active, but emotionally attuned.”
