Page 43 of Faeheart
A soft knock at the door interrupted my spiraling thoughts. I expected to see Wild, maybe coming to apologize or explain. Instead, Caden peered around the doorframe, his expression cautious.
“Can I come in?” he asked quietly.
I nodded, settling heavily on the edge of the bed. Caden entered and closed the door behind him, then surprised me by sitting beside me rather than maintaining his usual respectful distance.
“You’re hurt,” he said simply. It wasn’t a question.
Through our tetrad bond, I supposed my emotional turmoil was probably broadcasting to all of them like a beacon. “I don’t want to talk about it.”
“I know.” Caden was quiet for a moment, his fingers absently tracing patterns on the coverlet. “Can I tell you something about Wild that he probably wouldn’t want you to know?”
I looked at him sharply. “Caden...”
“He’s terrified,” Caden continued, ignoring my protest. “Not of the bond or even of you specifically. He’s terrified of permanence because the only permanent things in his life have caused him pain.”
Despite myself, I felt my curiosity pique. Wild had always deflected any serious conversations about his past, keeping things light and surface-level even as our connection deepened.
“What do you mean?”
Caden sighed, running a hand through his auburn hair. “His parents... they’re not exactly warm people. They see him as a political tool, a way to advance their standing in the Seelie Court. Every relationship he’s ever had, every friendship, has been evaluated for its potential benefit to the family. He learned early that caring about someone just gave them power to hurt him. So he just…stopped.”
The revelation hit me like a physical blow. Through our bond, I’d sensed Wild’s loneliness, his desperate need to be accepted for who he truly was rather than what he could provide. But I hadn’t understood the depth of it.
“He cares about you,” Caden said softly. “More than he’s probably ever cared about anyone. That’s exactly why he’s running.”
“Then why did he say it was just sex?” The words came out more bitter than I intended. “Why make it clear that it didn’t mean anything?”
“Because he’s protecting himself the only way he knows how.” Caden turned to face me fully. “Think about it, Elias. If this soul recognition thing is real, if you two are truly bonded in some cosmic way, then he can’t just walk away when things getcomplicated. He can’t use his usual shields. He’s in a situation he’s never been in, and his defenses are completely useless.”
I felt my anger beginning to transform into something else. Understanding, maybe. Or at least the beginning of it.
“So, what am I supposed to do?” I asked, staring down at my hands. “Just accept that he’ll keep pushing me away every time we get close?”
“No,” Caden said, his voice gentle but firm. “I think you need to meet him halfway. Show him that permanence doesn’t have to mean pain.”
I let out a hollow laugh. “That’s easier said than done when I’m not exactly an expert on healthy relationships myself. The Thorne family isn’t exactly known for its emotional openness.”
“Maybe that’s why you two recognize each other’s souls,” Caden suggested, a small smile playing at his lips. “You’re both broken in complementary ways.”
The thought was oddly comforting. Through our bond, I could feel Caden’s sincerity, his genuine desire to help both Wild and me navigate this impossible situation.
“Atlas went to talk to him earlier,” he added. “Wild’s still in the conservatory.”
I nodded, taking a deep breath. “I should go find him, shouldn’t I?”
“Only if you want to,” Caden said, standing. “But for what it’s worth, I think you two are good for each other. When you’re not too busy driving each other crazy.”
“Really?” I asked, genuinely curious. “Do you think we stand a chance?”
“I know you do,” Caden nodded. “Atlas and I will be right here to help you because… well, we care about you and Wild, too. This bond isn’t just between you and him, you know? I’m finding my feelings growing for you two as well. So is Atlas.” He shook his head. “It’s getting a little complicated, but I know youand Wild are meant for one another.” Caden took a step forward, placing a hand on my shoulder. “So, if you’re ready, go talk to him.”
I smiled and pulled Caden into a quick hug before I headed for the door. As I made my way through the mansion’s shifting corridors, I tried to organize my thoughts. What would I even say to Wild? That I understood his fear? That I shared it? The truth was, the idea of being cosmically bound to anyone terrified me almost as much as it seemed to terrify him.
The mansion seemed to guide me, doors appearing and hallways shortening until I found myself at the entrance to a massive glass-walled conservatory. Through the crystalline panels, I could see Wild sitting alone on a stone bench, surrounded by luminescent flowers that seemed to pulse in time with his breathing.
He looked smaller somehow, hunched over with his arms wrapped around himself. Vulnerable in a way I’d never seen him before. For a moment, I considered turning back, giving him more time. But the pull between us was undeniable, drawing me forward despite my hesitation. Caden’s reassuring words echoed in my head and I forced my feet to move.
I pushed open the glass door, the humid air washing over me in a wave of earthy scents and fae magic. Wild looked up, his green eyes widening slightly when he saw me.
