Reeve nodded.
Closing his eyes, Thalion let his friend’s memories fill his mind. Few knew that Thalion was capable of such magic, and he rarely used it. For some reason, he needed to see and experience what it was Reeve was so willing to die for.
The emotions that filled him were powerful and complete. There was no doubt, no place of weakness. He watched as Reeve and his mate shared their lives, laughing, fighting, yet always loving and forgiving. The way Reeve looked at her and she at him was so incredibly intimate that Thalion pulled back, fearful of intruding further.
“I understand,” he whispered to him.
“It won’t be long now,” Reeve told him. “I grow weaker even as we speak, but I am thankful for your company in my last days”
“Then I shall sit with you until you pass over,” Thalion assured him.
“And when I’m gone,” Reeve said, his voice raspy and weary. “Will you promise to fight for your fae? Will you pursue her as she deserves?”
“I will,” Thalion answered without hesitation. “I will follow her through the seven realms of hell and back again if that’s what it takes.”
Chapter 11
“I feel as though I am on the cusp of something great or terrible. I do not know which. Regardless of what comes, my life will never be the same.” ~ Cyn
“You slept in his bed and kept all of your clothes on?” Peri asked. “I’m impressed with your self-control.”
Cyn shook her head. “I could not have given myself to him. If I had, I would have never left him. It would have deepened the connection.”
“Please tell me that pun was intended,” the high fae said with a grin.
“I think we need to limit your time with Jen,” Alina told her.
“It wouldn’t help. She’s already warped me.”
Alina turned back to Cyn. “You left him with the intention of never seeing him again.”
“Yes, but then Desdemona happened and the warlock king and Lilly. We needed help and I knew he could help. The only thing I didn’t know at the time was whether hewouldhelp.”
“How long had you been apart?”
“Thirty years.” She smiled. “He wasn’t too happy.”
“I imagine not,” Alina agreed.
“So in the midst of all the hell that had broken loose, he asked you to be with him and you agreed?” Peri asked as she stood up and brushed her clothes off.
“Yes.”
“And then you freaked out?”
“I did,” Cyn said through gritted teeth.
“Well, it’s time to grow a pair and claim him and let yourself be fully claimed by him in return.” Peri stared down at her, her arms folded across her chest. “You are a guardian and warrior. You have been trained to be one of the best, not just in your own species, but all of them. Do not bow to this new challenge. Take a leap of faith. The love Thalion has for you is not something that comes around every day. It is rare and precious and you deserve it.”
“And what of your mate, Peri?” Cyn retorted. “Will you be claiming yours?”
“My mate has not been the topic at hand and, as I am not seeking your council, is also none of your business.”
“I agree with Perizada,” Alina said as she too stood up. “It is ultimately your choice, but if you are seeking our council, then we advise you to claim your mate. Now, Peri, if you would be so kind as to return me to my own mate. I believe we’ve given Cyn enough to think about, and she probably needs to process it all.”
“No pressure,” Peri chided. “But if you chicken out, I will make sure you spend the rest of your existence as Jen’s personal servant.” Peri winked at her and then grabbed Alina’s arm. She flashed as she laughed at the shocked look on Cyn’s face.
Cyn had no doubt that Peri would follow through with her threat.
