“My father has organized a trip for us to the capital on Gowden,” he says with a shrug of disinterest. “After that, we’ll spend a few days skiing in Ateria. We haven’t decided on which resort to stay at.”
“You should totally go to Ziofrost!” I exclaim, unable to contain my enthusiasm. “Their hot springs are the absolute best after a long day on the slopes. Just picture yourself soaking in bubbling warm waters, steam rising up all around you, and views of the snow-capped mountains at sunset. It’s the most beautiful experience. Promise me you’ll go.”
Kellan sits us up, retrieving his Prism from his pocket, and after a few moments, projects colorful holograms of Ziofrost above the device.Resort layouts, images of the hot springs at sunset, photos of customers on the snowy slopes. We lose ourselves in the details of planning his trip, discussing which slopes to hit first and where to eat. We’re so lost in planning that we almost forget we’re supposed to be headed to Bonding class.
In a flurry to get to class on time, we grab our tablets and rush toward the door. I swing it open and collide with Anders’ solid chest. I silently curse him as he steadies me, his grip firm around my upper arms. As I regain my balance, I catch a glimpse of his emotions flashing across his features. First amusement, then fury, as he glances over my shoulder, most likely finding Kellan coming out of my room. He masks it quickly, a broad, smug smile transforming his face as he slips an arm around my shoulders, tucking me in tight.
“Running late again, Princess?” he teases.
For a brief second, I feel a rush of gratitude for his decision to keep our little incident this morning to himself. I reluctantly pull away from him, already missing the warmth and stability of his body beside mine.
What the hell is wrong with me?I shake my head, clearing my thoughts and mustering some defiance.
“I seem to recall this question from the first day of school, and my answer is still the same,” I reply with as much sass as I can throw his way. He casually leans a shoulder against the wall, blocking Kellan in the process, his hands tucked comfortably in his pockets, looking very much the part of an arrogant prince. His lips tilt up slightly, clearly enjoying this back-and-forth banter between us.
“Could you at least stand somewhere else so I’m not always running into you? Perhaps against the railing?” I let out my frustration, gesturing to the railing for emphasis. His smirk widens, the look only antagonizing me more.
“Oh, but I love it when you run into me,” he purrs, his eyes darkening with desire.
Memories of this morning dance in my mind. Lying across his sweat-slicked body in the middle of the woods was a little more than ‘running into him.’ A blush rises to my cheeks. There’s an undeniabletruth to his words in his eyes that makes our little…okay, obscenely large, impossible-to-miss Bond shimmer even more.
Before I can dwell on it, I roll my eyes and pivot on my heel, determined to put distance between us. It’s a familiar dance the two of us seem to repeat over and over again. Much to my dismay, or enjoyment, before I can reach the end of the hall, Anders is beside me, keeping pace and effortlessly blocking Kellan, who is trying to reach my side. I shoot Anders an annoyed glance, silently pleading for a moment’s peace.
Before I can slip into class, a ripple of happiness at our constant banter rushes through me. “Bye, Prince,” I say over my shoulder, earning a hint of that annoyingly adorable smirk.
I settle into my usual seat, with Ciara on one side and Kellan on the other. Right behind me, Anders drops into his seat with Trysten and Sienna at his sides. I don’t know what it is about her, but something deep inside me dislikes her with an intensity I usually reserve for my enemies.
Professor Becca makes her way up to the dais, looking out over us with excitement. She’s dressed in a black long-sleeve gown, belted at her waist with knee-high boots, her Bond mark flowing seamlessly with the lace sleeves of her dress. She looks radiant—and hot. I wonder if she is headed home after this. Maybe she has a date with her husband.
“Alright, everyone,” she begins, placing her hands on her hips with a knowing smile, like she’s about to spill some secret. “Today, we are diving into the topic of the magic of the Bond!” Professor Becca clasps her hands excitedly as whispers ripple through the hall.
Professor Becca takes a moment, allowing the murmurs to settle before continuing. “The Bond itself is a mystery as to how it chooses your partner, but we know that there’s one perfect match for you. When you go through The Ceremony, you will Bond with someone who has the perfect match in energies. Once the connection is complete, a Bond marking appears, solidifying it.”
“Yay, a forced tattoo,” I mutter, earning a small smile from both ofmy friends. Tate leans forward, shooting a disappointed glance my way.
“So grumpy,” he grumbles. “I want a Bonding mark.”
Ciara stifles a laugh, hiding her face in her palms. I wiggle my brows and smirk at him.
“Didn’t know you were such a romantic,” I tease.
He mumbles something about true love and being lucky enough to find a soul mate.
In front of us, a projection of different Bonding marks appears. Women’s marks appear on their left hands, while men receive a small mark on their chest over their heart.
“Settle down, everyone,” Professor Becca declares as an excited hum travels through the crowd. “Now, after The Ceremony, you’ll need to go through what we call a Bonding phase.” Kellan, not so subtly, puts an arm over the back of my chair, earning what sounds like a growl from Anders. “The Bond needs time to strengthen before your magic will appear.”
An unsettling feeling twists in my stomach as I contemplate the implications that Anders and I are already experiencing magic, though I still have no idea what mine is.
My tablet chimes as a variety of articles and scans populate my screen. As I look around, others are now browsing their screens as well. I glance back at the folder, tapping it open to find scans from ancient tomes I’ve never heard of.
One document in particular catches my eye: “The Veil and The Bonds.” It dates back to an era long before our current unified calendar. Is this what we need? Do our professors have access that we don’t? I can’t deny it’s a possibility. I reluctantly set my tablet down, some deep part of me stirring to life. I quickly message Anders.
Raea Tierson: We need to discuss our project later.
I hear his chuckle just as the message pops up.
Anders Rykerson: Forgiven already?
