Long moments passed as we just sat in each other’s presence, awhisper of our connection lingering before he made to release our hands. Our bond.
“Not yet,” I breathed, surprising myself but not fighting the inclination to stay connected.
A massive wave of emotion flooded from him, but with our bond nearly severed, I couldn’t discern what it was—only that it was raw, visceral, and utterly unexpected.
Time lost meaning as we stayed suspended in the moment, until slowly I unlaced my fingers from his.
As the world came back into focus, I was acutely aware of a forgotten Caius, who had silently witnessed the entire exchange.
Breaking eye contact, Endymion looked to the High Lord and nodded once, as if in confirmation of something they’d previously discussed—and not for the first time, I wondered just how close they really were.
“What?” I asked, feeling suddenly vulnerable.
Endymion leaned away from me, and I found myself wrapping the blanket around my shoulders and tucking myself into the sofa again, unsure if I even wanted the answer based on the concerned look they gave me.
“The good news,” the commander began, “is that it was only a nightmare. No wisp. No magic but your own at play.”
I narrowed my eyes, looking between them. “And the bad news?”
Caius shifted in his seat. “Simply put,” he said, “you shattered my wards.”
My brows furrowed as my mind raced to understand his meaning. Hadn’t Endymion and Artton both said that wards stopped them from valenning into private chambers during the summer solstice? That there were wards all over to prevent unsanctioned travel? But hadn’t I just witnessed the three of them do exactly that after Caius had pulled me from my sleep? Something as important as protecting the Summer Palace—hells, the entire court—had to be stronger than magic conjured in a dream.
I shook my head. “That’s impossible. I don’t believe for a moment that your wards aren’t impenetrable.”
Caius let out a humorless laugh, rubbing his jaw as he shook his head, then leaned forward in his chair. “Oh, Nyleeria,” he said with a sigh. “How I wish you didn’t break the laws of our magic. But alas, you are the spark. Had you said that statement an hour ago, I would’ve gladly agreed. I assure you, your magic rippled through the palace—and my court—decimating my wards like sugar in water.”
“Oh.” The single word was all I could manage. What else did one say? Sorry for stripping away your sense of security while I slept—my bad?
“Oh indeed,” he echoed.
I looked to Endymion. “Is that why you wanted to see what happened?”
“Partially, yes,” he admitted. “More importantly, we needed to ensure there was no other magic at play here.”
“Like Amos’ wisp?” I asked, suppressing a shudder.
“Among other powers, yes.”
“Other powers?” I said, instantly regretting my curiosity. “You know what—never mind. I don’t want to know.”
Endymion smirked, his eyes glinting with humor. Before he could tease me, Caius stood. “Well, now that we know you’re safe and nothing nefarious is afoot…dinner is getting cold, and I loathe a cold meal. I believe Kai left clothes out for you in the bathing chamber. “They should be fine”—he waved a hand in its general direction—"I suppose one benefit of the wards being down is that I can valen straight there." He gave me a sly wink. “See you both shortly.” And with that, he valenned away.
I arched a brow at Endymion, who shrugged before standing. “I’ll wait for you in the hall.”
“Wait—you’re not going to valen us there?”
He shook his head. “I’m tapped. Artton brought me in.”
Right. I kept forgetting.
He turned toward the double doors, only to pause halfway and glance back.
“I almost forgot,” he said, “I had Sidrick grab Luca for you.”
Chapter 6
Feather Light
