Chapter 16
Finn
I feel it the second it happens.
The bond snaps into place—solid, warm, certain—and it’s not mine.
Torric.
Of course it’s Torric.
I stare at the ceiling and try to remember how to breathe around the weight crushing my chest.
Good for him. Really. I’m happy for them both.
I turn over and bury my face in the pillow so no one hears me laugh.
Or maybe it’s crying.
I can’t tell anymore.
Chapter 17
Kaia
Something’s different.
I know it before I’m fully awake. The air feels warmer. Heavier. There’s weight against my back and—
Oh.
Torric.
His arm is draped over my waist. His chest pressed against my back. The fire rune pulses faintly against my spine, syncing with his breathing.
He’s out cold. Completely dead to the world.
My shadows are curled around us both like they’ve given up on being dignified.
I let myself have this. Just for a second. Just this one quiet moment before everything starts moving again.
Then I see movement in the doorway.
Aspen.
Grinning like an absolute bastard.
“Morning,” he says.
Oh gods.
“…how long have you been standing there?”
“Long enough.”
Heat floods my face. “Aspen—”
“Relax.” He leans against the doorframe, arms crossed. “I’m just glad you both finally stopped running.”
