I shook off his grasp and focused on the Crone. “What’s the catch? What do you get out of this witch?”
“I am no witch!” she bellowed, her voice echoing with ancient might. It shook me to my core. “I was here at the beginning. I see all. I know all. This is my bargain for you. I will infuse you with the strength to take control. The only thing I require is the blood of your emperor.”
Before I could process her demand, Juls interjected, “He’ll do it.” He shoved me towards her.
My eyes widened in horror, realizing the depth of Juls' treachery. The Crone chanted. Ethereal chains coiled around my limbs, pulling taut, anchoring me to the spot. I roared and jerked, trying to break free, but it was useless. The Crone spoke louder in a language I didn’t understand, and a foreign sigil blazed onto my chest, each etched line a fiery brand.
Amidst the searing pain, the weight of Juls' betrayal crushed my spirit. "Why, Juls?" I croaked, despair evident in my voice.
With malevolent satisfaction, he sneered, “Only one of us is fit for the black throne. And that’s me.”
The crone’s chants grew louder, and I writhed in pain. I felt my power, my magic, slipping away. I cried out again. It was as if a thousand demon blades were gutting me, and the heat of the sigil sizzled on my skin.
Pain—unimaginable, excruciating pain—consumed me. I threw my head back. A guttural scream escaped my lips as my body contorted. My once-impenetrable obsidian skin paled, and my powerful limbs withered before my very eyes. The sensation of my wings shriveling was agonizing, like a part of my soul being ripped away. And my majestic horns, a symbol of my heritage, crumbled to dust. I cried as the weight of what was happening hit me. I was betrayed—I was human.
The Crone wasn’t finished. Her chants grew fervent, reaching a crescendo. What more can she do to me? I thought. A shimmering portal opened on the cavern wall, and fuck; it got worse. The primitive human realm appeared.
"In the shadow of lost power, a bond forged thrice shall return the fallen prince to his throne. Betrayed love shall seek its revenge, a Duša’s union the key to restoration." The words left the Crone’s mouth in a voice not her own, imbued with superior authority. Her eyes widened, and she shook her head as if surprised by her own utterance.
Before I could grasp the full meaning of her words, she regained her composure and flung her arm, causing me to hurl through the portal. Landing on the hard ground, I heard Juls' mocking laughter before things went dark. Betrayed, powerless, and transformed. I had lost everything.
Unspoken Bond
Lucas
Present Day….
“Takethat!”
Louie’s voice, high-pitched and triumphant, cut through the room. I glanced up from my phone, watching him and his cousin Simon, engaged in their video game duel. It was reminiscent of the countless battles I had with my siblings. As one of ten kids, our house was always a battleground of playful rivalry.
Leaning back, I let the sounds of my nieces and nephews playing envelop me. I was the designated babysitter today. My mom, sisters, and brothers all had to work or were in school. So, I was stuck watching them. It wasn’t a chore, and I didn’t mind. The kids were a much-needed distraction.
I flicked my phone screen again. The absence of messages from Talon twisted a knot in my gut. The first time I saw him, his majestic lion form had both terrified and fascinated me. It scared me that he was a predator shifter. I didn’t have the best track record with them. And Talon was a huge ass lion with a full golden mane and sharp teeth. But seeing and meeting him also caused my rabbit and heart to patter happily—we met our mate.
It was the moment I realized what the bond meant - a connection that was supposed to be unbreakable. But now, that connection felt as if it was fraying, thread by thread.
Why the hell won’t he call me?I thought. I was his mate, damn it. He should want to be with me. Granted, our first meeting wouldn’t have been the best time to announce our connection.
My parents had just found out my older brother Brian had found his mate in a predator shifter, the king of the lion pride, and they, especially my mother, weren’t happy. But now, they accepted my brother’s bond. There was no reason for Talon not to even talk with me.
The game ended with triumphant music, and Louie jumped up, his face alight with the simple joy of victory. “I won! Uncle Lucas, did you see that?”
I mustered a smile, a pang of nostalgia hitting me. “You’re a champ, Louie. Reminds me of the gaming battles I had with your father and uncles.”
“Hear that, Simon. I’m a champ,” Louie said smugly. He was definitely his father’s son. My brother, Noah, used to brag like that all the time.
Simon’s nose wrinkled, his brow creased, and fire blazed in his eyes. I struggled to smother a laugh. “I let you win. Let’s play again, I’ll prove it!”
Where Louie took after my brother, Simon was a mirror image of Olivia, my sister. Olivia was the oldest and had a… strong… personality. Yeah, I guess that would be it, a strong personality.
“Uncle Lucas,” piped up a small voice, slicing through my thoughts. I looked down to see Eva, her wide eyes brimming with a mixture of hope and expectation. Beside her, Millie, clutching a tiny porcelain teacup, peered up at me with silent anticipation. Eva, the eldest of my nieces and nephews and every bit as determined as her sibling, Simon, tugged gently at the hem of my shirt.
“Yes, sweetheart?” I asked, bending down to her level.
“Will you play tea party with us?” Eva’s voice was hopeful while Millie nodded vigorously, her cherubic cheeks rounding with excitement.
Their earnest expressions tugged at my heart. Eva’s eyes, large and pleading, seemed to mirror the innocence and joy I so often missed. With a feigned sigh of defeat, I couldn’t help but smile. “How can I resist such a persuasive invitation?” I chuckled. “Alright, you little charmers, I’m all yours.”
