My bonds.
The word doesn’t feel strange anymore. I stare at the ceiling in disbelief, hands resting on my chest.
Then I move, gathering my contract, and for the first time in a very long time—I let my darkness lead me.
I trust it. Accept it.
Which is how I end up inthebed. The one still humming with remnants of my bonds’ power, their cool darknesses and snippets of warmth crackling light all enthused within these sheets.
I crawl beneath the covers, letting it wash over me, even their remains help soothe the throbbing ache.
It’s strange that in some sick way… I like the pain. Like it’s proof, a reminder of them, of this bond.
It’s real.
I sigh. The creepy voice returns, and its satisfied tone isn’t missed by me. It knew, all this time.
We did.
I scoff at my voice, at myself. Maybe I knew something, but I didn’t understand it fully.
Or refused to.
That’s uncalled for.
But… maybe I had always known. I knew there was something, even if I couldn’t name it. From the very beginning, the pull to them was always so strong. Maybe that’s why Saihad been so desperate, and why Julien had struggled to cage his beast.
They’ve apologised over and over, with their words, on their knees, in various other ways. But even I faltered, I allowed their touches too early without any real protest.
And now we’re bonded.
Bound together in more than blood, power, or flesh, but our very souls.
I reach for the very official, totally legally binding contract. I flip to the final page, the only one that mattered if Julien was to be believed, and re-read the ridiculous requests.
With a soft laugh, I pick up the pen clipped to it.
I scribble a few edits of my own, small additions, sweet threats, and pause above the dotted line. My lips curl into a smile as I carefully sign my name—pause halfway—then end it.
They’re here.
Their combined powers press against the walls, seeking me out, reaching with that desperate, magnetic pull. And I choose the most mature response possible.
I pretend to sleep.
Pulling the cover slightly over my face, I close my eyes and focus on settling my breathing as their powers build with feverish need.
What did Sai say that time? Breathe in. Hold… one, two—
“She’s not at Kacey’s.”Sai’s voice cracks through my mind, full of panic and building rage.
I drag the blanket higher. There’s a tangle of footsteps, some heavier than others, the rustles of shadows, a crackle. Then a pause.
“Here.”It’s Kane who finds me, and I feel the others flit instantly.
I lie incredibly still, refusing to give myself away, as all their feelings slip into me.
Relief. Yearning. Solace. Adoration.
