The Tideborn shuddered under the strain, his markings pulsing erratically as he absorbed what Corin couldn't contain.
From the edge of the clearing, Jamie stumbled forward, as if drawn by some invisible force. The human's face contorted with confusion and wonder as he approached. Through the tether forming with Azelon, Corin sensed the bond that already existed between them—steady, solid, a counterpoint to the chaotic link now forming.
"Stay back!" Corin warned, but his voice had lost its power. His magic was being channeled now, flowing through Azelon rather than exploding outward.
Jamie ignored him, moving closer until he stood beside them. The human reached out, one hand settling on Corin's shoulder, the other on Azelon's back.
The moment he completed the circuit, something surged between the three of them. Corin gasped at the sensation—like pieces locking into place. Into balance. His chaos, Azelon's control, Jamie's stability.
What was happening?
"Why?" Corin whispered, feeling his resistance crumbling as the tether between them strengthened. "Why would you do this? Why would you want this?"
Azelon's voice was strained, his body visibly struggling under the weight of Corin's power. "Because I couldn't lose you."
"You're just afraid what I would do," Corin accused, but the words lacked conviction. Through their growing connection, he could feel the truth of Azelon's statement.
"I was never afraid of your power," Azelon said, his voice rough with effort. "I was afraid of breaking your heart."
"He's telling the truth," Jamie added. "You know he is."
The emotional storm began to subside, the water receding as Corin's projection found new channels through the bonds forming between them. The shadow creatures at the edge of the clearing withdrew, denied their feast.
Corin felt emptied, suddenly, hollowed out as his power flowed outward until there was nothing left to give. His knees buckled, and only the combined strength of Azelon and Jamie kept him from collapsing entirely.
"I don't understand," he murmured as darkness crept further into his vision.
"You will," Jamie promised, his voice seeming to come from a great distance.
The last thing Corin registered before consciousness left him was the sensation of being caught, of being held between them as the world went dark.
They came for me, he thought as the darkness took him.They chose me.
Chapter
Fourteen
Corin woke to the unfamiliar sensation of calm.
His body felt heavy, weighted down by exhaustion, but his mind... his mind was different. The constant storm that had raged inside him for as long as he could remember had quieted to gentle waves lapping at distant shores.
He lay perfectly still, afraid any movement might shatter this fragile peace.
Only gradually did he become aware of his surroundings. The soft mattress beneath him.
He was in bed.
In a large one.
To his right lay Jamie, features softened in sleep, his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm.
The sight made Corin smile.
Jamie was fine. He was safe.
Movement to his left drew Corin's attention. Azelon sat in a chair beside the bed, watching him with those intense eyes that seemed to see straight through Corin and to his heart.
"How do you feel?" Azelon asked in a soft tone of voice, so as not to wake Jamie, probably.
