“If this is about a bastard child,” Caldwell nodded. “We have protocol in place for such a situation.”
“Ew, Caldwell. No. Gross.” I couldn’t help making a face. “I’m not into women.”
He stared at me for a long moment. “That… explains a lot.”
“Yeah, I figured it might.” I reached up, pinching the bridge of my nose. “I… uh… got mixed up with a guy and there’s been… somecomplications.”
“Royal assassin types of complications?” he offered. “We have protocol for that as well.”
“Jesus, Caldwell,” I sighed. “No. Not that bad.”
“Please explain.”
I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. “I… uh… I might have a… amatebond. The fated kind. Or a true love spell? I’m not sure which. We don’t know.”
“To a man?”
“Yes,” I nodded. “To a male witch. And a shadow walker at that.”
Caldwell stared for a long moment, clearly trying to compose himself. “Are… Are you sure this isn’t a job for the royal assassin?”
“I don’t want himdead, Caldwell!” I cried. “I kinda… well, I kinda really like him.”
“But dark elves don’t form mate bonds. And especially not with witches. Your father would never?—”
“Allow a human in the realm, I know.”
“And he would execute any shadow walker that did,” Caldwell continued. “Once they’ve been to a realm once, they can return at will. Your line has spent generations strengthening the barrier between the Twilight and the mortal realms. A shadow walker would put all of that in jeopardy.”
“I know that, Caldwell,” I snapped. Then I forced myself to breathe and compose my emotions a bit. “I know. But this isn’t something I can just get out of. We’ve got the school staff working on it as well. But I need you to research on your side and send me whatever you find. Books, historical scrolls, spells…anythingthat might help me figure this out or convince my father to let it stay in place.”
Caldwell’s expression shifted from shock to concern. “Young master, I’ll do what I can, but you must understand the gravity of this situation. Your father has already selected your future bride. The alliance with her family has been in negotiation since your birth.”
“I know that too,” I groaned, running my hand through my white hair. “But this is different, Caldwell. When we touch, it’s like... electricity. And his magic responds to me in ways that aren’t normal. He accidentally teleported us through the school’s wards when we... when we were together.”
Caldwell’s eyebrows shot up. “Through the academy’s wards? That’s impossible. We had them checked for security before you left.”
“That’s what everyone said,” I replied. “But he did it. The school’s making him wear enchanted bracers now to contain hismagic, and they’re moving him into my room so they can keep an eye on us.”
“Moving in together?” Caldwell looked alarmed. “Young master, this is highly irregular. If your father finds out?—”
“He won’t,” I interrupted firmly. “Not yet. Not until I figure out what this is and what to do about it.”
“And if there’s nothing to be done?” Caldwell asked quietly.
I hadn’t allowed myself to consider that possibility. What if this bond couldn’t be broken? What if I was tied to Ash forever?
“I don’t know,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. “But I need options, Caldwell. Real ones. Not just what my father wants.”
The old butler nodded slowly, his expression softening. “I’ll search the royal archives discreetly. There are ancient texts that might provide some insight. But please, be careful. Don’t deepen this bond until we know more about it.”
I laughed bitterly. “Too late for that warning.”
Caldwell sighed, looking every bit his considerable age. “I’ll contact you as soon as I find anything useful. In the meantime, perhaps some distance would be wise, despite your... living arrangements.”
“Yeah,” I nodded, though the thought of keeping my distance from Ash made my chest ache in a way I couldn’t explain. “I’ll… try.”
“And young master?” Caldwell added, his voice gentle. “Whatever happens, know that I am on your side.”
