Instinctively, I close my eyes and find the thread connecting us. I reach out slowly, running my fingers softly over it, feeling its warmth.
‘Well, I’m listening, but for what?’
I feel like I’ve done this a million times. It’s always the same. I feel the bond. It’s here but silent.
What does she mean?
Steadying myself with a deep breath, I do something I haven’t done before. I slowly open my end of the bond. I let down every wall, every defense, peeling back layer after layer of my guarded heart until all that remains is the bare essence of who I am and what I feel. I send wave after wave of love, warmth, and longing into the space between us, pouring everything into the bond, hoping it reaches him, that it’s enough.
‘Maxon?’
The silence lingers, thick and oppressive, until I feel a tremor—a faint, electric pulse. And then, like a soft whisper, his voice stirs, faint but unmistakable.
“Everly.”
Elation swells, a rush of joy and relief surging through me, pulsing louder with every breath.
“I’m here.” The words tumble out in a rush, as if he might slip away if I don’t say them fast enough.
There’s a pause, and then his voice again, warm and achingly familiar. “Everly.”
The sound of my name on his lips, a calling meant only for me, unlocks something deep inside. I let everything else fall away—every worry, every fear, even the hollow ache that’s been weighing me down. I surrender to the pull of his voice, letting it guide me forward, deeper into the connection. I drift completely weightless, pulled through the endless space between us.
And then, suddenly, I’m jolted, and my feet hit solid ground, my eyes fly open. The bond buzzes, alive now, vibrating faintly.
Confused, I look around, my breath halting in my lungs as a wave of awareness skates across my skin. The thick darkness of the night surrounds me as I stand in the middle of a meadow. I swallow roughly, turning in a slow circle.
How did I get here? Where is here? Am I dreaming?
I swear I was so close to reaching him. I do my best not to let the crushing weight of disappointment settle over me.
Then a soft, indistinguishable noise reaches my ears, and I freeze in fear, my feet rooted to the spot.
Knees trembling, I take a small step forward in the long grass, sending thousands of fireflies scattering into the cool night air.Someone is watching me. I can feel it in every inch of my body. I strain, listening for movement or any sound.
“I know you're there!” I call out. My fingers flicker over the place my dagger is usually strapped, and once again, I’m only in a light silk night dress.
Shit.
“Everly?”
My heart stalls at the sound of that voice, then a warmth blooms through me. Excitement flows like liquid fire, filling my veins as I look out into the darkness, adrenaline coursing through me.
“Maxon?”
Movement catches my attention as a figure walks toward me. I hold my breath as they approach, doing my best to push down the uncertainty that's rising. After the Witte Wieven, I’m not sure what to expect.
Fireflies swirl around the grass, their golden glow illuminating the darkness in gentle, pulsing waves. The entire field seems to breathe with light, as if the stars themselves have drifted down to dance around us. Their delicate brightness is just enough for me to see who is approaching from the shadows. I stand completely frozen, my breath caught on an inhale as the figure steps closer. It is him.
Maxon moves with quiet, deliberate steps, his white tunic and black pants looking immaculate even in the dim light.
He stops just in front of me, close enough that I can feel the warmth radiating from him. My heart is beating so damn hard I swear I will pass out any minute. His presence is overwhelming, commanding the space between us. I’m rooted in place, unable to look away. Slowly, he raises his hand. His fingertips brush mycheek, and I shiver as he cups my face, his touch both firm and tender.
His thumb glides across my cheek, leaving a trail of warmth in its wake.
“Don’t cry,” he whispers.
I choke on a laugh. I didn’t even realize I’ve been crying. He draws closer, and the warmth radiating from his body slides over my exposed skin. My hands land on his chest as I search those deep violet eyes I love so much.
