Down through the Glass Thread, the landscape blurring past.
Past the Whispering Glade where my life began—now just a cluster of dead trees, skeletal and hollow.
The horses never falter, never break a sweat despite the punishing speed. Something unnatural drives them.
We cross Deepwood Crevice as light touches the horizon. And there, looming before us, rises his dark fortress.
The Castle of Thorns.
Numbness settles over me as we approach its towering walls. The huge wooden doors swing open to receive us.
As we pass through the threshold, a tingle rises in my left hand.
I look down. The golden threads begin to glow.
But nothing can pierce the overwhelming sense of loss that consumes me.
I had finally made a choice, all on my own. Not made by duty, not a Bond, not a leash, not in fear.
I chose them.
The echoes of their love carry their song to me on the wind, whispered promises we will meet again.
Part Three – The Betrayal
“Desperation is the raw betrayal of drastic change. Only those who can leave behind everything they have ever believed in can hope to escape.”? William S. Burroughs
“Unable are the loved to die. For love is immortality.”– Emily Dickinson
Chapter Thirty-Two
Alaya
A voice breaks into my sleep, soft and cautious.
“Hey, Princess. Look who’s back.”
My thoughts struggle to catch up with reality, to process where I am. I focus on one thing: his voice.
And everything falls back into place. A crushing heaviness slams into my chest, rushing in so fast I gasp and my eyes flash open. Tears flow down my face, hot with overwhelming joy and something painful I can’t quite place.
I turn, and he is there. The same messy black hair, the same piercing green eyes, the same cocky grin that fuelled my strength for survival when all hope seemed lost.
Kiernan’s emotions flood through our Bond, my hand pulsing with his happiness and desire. He frowns and reaches out to wipe the tears from my cheeks.
I flinch away from his touch. Pain lances through me at my own reaction.
“Hey.” I force a smile.
“You weren’t waiting for me when I got back.” He tilts his head, one eyebrow raised, the corner of his mouth quirking up.
“I got a bit tied up.” I mirror his expression, letting my own eyebrow arch.
I sit up and lean back against the fluffy pillow behind me. I close my eyes for just a moment, sinking into it.
“Gods, Alaya. I never thought I would see you again.” His voice cracks on the last word.
He reaches out, the golden band on his finger catching the light. The golden thread etched deep into his skin glows with a soft radiance, pulsing with his heartbeat. Tentatively, almost hesitantly, he takes my hand in his. I don’t pull away this time.
