It’s all spinning in my mind—the fairy revelation, this mysterious bond with Gabriel—it’s like I’m caught in a whirlwind. After storming out, I head downstairs, Gabriel following me. “I don’t want to talk about this anymore, Gabriel. You need to give me some time to think.”
I escape back up to the bedroom, diving into research about fairies. Hours slip by, as I get lost in internet articles and texts. Gabriel returns periodically knocking, but I’m not ready to answer. When I finally emerge, Mariya tells me Gabriel has left.
Desperation swirls inside me as I turn to Mariya, seeking answers about my parents and their connection to the fairy world. She looks grave, explaining how fairies were hunted for their magic, a past filled with darkness and danger.
“How did your parents die, Jade?”
“A car accident a few years ago. They were coming to pick me up from a party when my father lost control of the car, and they flew off a cliff. They were killed on impact.”
“I’m so sorry, Jade.”
I can feel tears slide down my cheeks. “Does this mean this could have been a hit? That someone could have killed them because they were fairies?”
“I am so sorry. I don’t have the answers for you. The person who would be best equipped to help you would be Gabriel. He talks to Seraphina, and I am pretty sure she would know the truth about your parents.”
“You can trust Gabriel, Jade. He cares about you, and will protect you." Her sincerity calms some of my doubts. “He is your mate. It is ingrained in his bones.”
“I don’t want to belong to him, Mariya. I don’t want to belong to anyone.”
Mariya leans forward, “Jade, this bond, it’s beyond what we understand as mere love or attraction. It’s like an unbreakable tie, linking two souls on a profound level.”
I furrow my brows, trying to grasp the enormity of her words. “It sounds so intense, Mariya. Almost like something out of a story.”
She nods, a faint smile on her lips. “Exactly! This bond represents a deep, instinctive connection. It’s not just about romance; it’s about understanding each other on a level that goes beyond the usual human connections.”
“Does it mean we’re like soulmates?” I ask, seeking to understand the depth of such a bond.
“In a way, yes,” Mariya replies. “Mates complement each other perfectly. They’re often depicted as completing each other, filling in strengths and weaknesses, and feeling an innate sense of belonging when they’re together.”
I nod, beginning to grasp the significance of this concept. “So, it’s more about an emotional bond than just being in love?”
“Exactly,” Mariya confirms gently. “The bond between mates offers a sense of security, protection, and a feeling of being truly understood. Some stories even depict unique abilities or connections that strengthen this connection, like telepathy or heightened senses.”
I ponder over her words and the complexity of this concept. “Finding a mate in this world is a big deal, isn’t it?”
Mariya nods. “I know this is a lot, Jade, but we are all here for you. All we want is to keep you safe. This doesn’t have to change anything.”
“I know. Thank you for everything.”
My heart aches as I find myself standing before Alyssa’s door. It has been weeks since I last saw her since everything changed. As I raise my hand to knock, the door swings open, revealing Alyssa, now all healed. Without a word, I fell into her arms, tears streaming down my face.
“Jade,” Alyssa’s voice, filled with concern, wraps around me. “Come in, sweetheart.”
I stumble inside, the warmth of familiarity mingled with the scent of Alyssa’s comforting home. She leads me to the couch, and with a gentle touch, Alyssa hands me a cup of tea. I clutch it, feeling the warmth seep into my hands.
Alyssa settles beside me, her presence a balm to my swirling emotions. “It’s okay, Jade. I’m here for you.”
I look at Alyssa, marveling at how far she’s come since the accident. Her recovery had been miraculous, almosttoomiraculous. And I know, deep down, she’ll never understand the truth about me, about this whole fairy business.
As Alyssa holds me close, I realize the implications of the secrets I carry. How could I explain any of this to her? How could I burden her with the unbelievable?
Eventually, a sense of guilt settles over me. Alyssa’s healing was a miracle, yet she’ll never know the extent of the truth. I pull away gently with a heavy heart, my eyes meeting hers.
“I... I have to go,” I manage to say, my voice shaky.
Alyssa’s gaze softens, understanding flickering in her eyes. “Take care of yourself, Jade. I’m always here if you need me.”
I nod, feeling a lump form in my throat. With one last glance at Alyssa, I turn and leave, the weight of the unspoken truth heavier than ever.