“You mean everything to us,” he murmured as I swallowed the sweet-tasting potion. “You have made our lives better in every way. You’ve given us a new purpose.We need you.”
The potion spread through my veins like a wave of warmth, calming me until I finally stopped shaking. “Thank you,” I whispered. “I need you, too.All of you.”
Without prompt, the five of them surrounded me in an embrace the moment my spirit reached out to theirs through the bond, seeking some sort of reassurance.
I felt safe with them—safer than I’d ever felt before.
Tears silently trickled down my face, but they were no longer from fear or anxiety; they were tears of relief. I didn’t have to face Matthieu or this world alone any longer, and I would never have to again.
Their arms enveloped me like blankets of protection and peace as they held me tight. Their scents mingled together, and Ilovedthe way it smelled. All five of them were with me now and forever—stabilizing my magic and spirit in an otherwise chaotic world.
“We’re with you until the end, goddess.” Jasper’s dark wisp caressed my cheek.
Casper’s light wisp tickled my other cheek. “None of us are going anywhere, sunshine.”
“We will always be here for you,” Aimon murmured.
“No matter what happens next,” Bastian promised.
“And wewillkill him,” Silas vowed.
“We need to strip him of his immortality first,” I stated, feeling a swell of determination rise inside of me.
Bastian’s calming potion had done its work, and with my bonded mages on my side, we would take Matthieu down and put an end to his monstrous rampage.
2
SILAS
I hadno interest in eating dinner—not when the woman I knew I loved was going through such emotional turmoil.
But when Emperor Lloyd invited someone for dinner, he usually had important news to share, and we were in a position where we needed all the information we could get.
I should’ve just listened to Fawn from the start. It would’ve saved her a lot of heartache, and I hated myself for that.
But wehadto keep moving forward toward our end goal, which was to end Matthieu once and for all.
Emperor Lloyd had been like a father to me, and he’d taken me in after my mom’s murder. I was grateful to the man, but I wouldneverput his needs above Fawn’severagain. Which meant she was the one who was going to lead us on this mission to kill Matthieu.
I would protect her opinion and see that she was in charge this time—even over Emperor Lloyd. It was the least he could do for us, considering what happened when he sent us on the rescue mission.
I’d never seen Fawn lose control the way she had back in that room, and I never wanted to see it again. I wanted to shield her from all the pain and anguish filling her.
I wanted to behershield.
Maybe that was why it felt so much different to be sitting in this dining hall with my shield,no…my bonded brothers and lover.
The grandeur and historical significance of the hall weren’t as endearing to me anymore, even though the vast chamber exuded safety with stone walls depicting heroic battles and protection runes etched into the wooden beams above.
The six of us sat at a lavishly decorated wooden table that extended from one end of the hall to the other. Embroidered tablecloths set with meticulously crafted silverware, goblets, and ornamental plates covered the table with fresh meals set out.
Overlooking the grand table, Emperor Lloyd sat at the far end of the hall in an imposing throne-like seat. The high-backed chair was upholstered in a deep red and adorned with the family's emblem, serving as a constant reminder of their authority and power.
But for Fawn, I knew she recognized it as the empire that cursed her.
I couldn't help but notice the soaked look of her long lashes from where she was crying before. She did her best to keep it together, but I knew she was still hurting. The trauma we’d all endured would take time to heal from. I could feel it in our bond.
Sending a feeling of warmth and comfort through the bond, I met her crystal-blue gaze.
