“See what?” I found myself asking.
Wymond’s barked laughter startled me enough that I jumped.
“Oh,” he said, leaning down closer to his commander. “It would appear I’m not the only one you’ve kept in the dark.”
Endymion’s focus found mine, and my stomach dropped.
“Kaelun, be a dear and join us,” Wymond said.
I jumped to my feet. “Leave him out of this.”
“No,” Wymond said, his magic grappling me down to my knees. “I think a demonstration is more fun. Don’t you, Commander.” Endymion’s title nothing more than a mocking purr.
Kaelun’s steps jerked awkwardly as he fought the magical bands forcing him forward like he was nothing more than a puppet on Wymond’s strings.
Looking pleased with himself once the young fae had joined them, he said, “Now, why don’t you be a good little pet and educate us on what you and I can both see.”
Kaelun looked at me like he was my executioner, and I braced myself, unsure I’d be able to take what came next.
“Please,” Kaelun pled to the High Lord, “she doesn’t deserve to find out this way.”
“In that, lad, I would agree. But since Endymion clearly had no intention of telling her, I leave the honor to you. Unless you’d prefer for me to explain.”
“No!” Endymion snapped, looking up at his High Lord for the first time since he’d collapsed. “I’ll do it.”
“I’m afraid that’s no longer an option, traitor. Me or Kaelun. Choose.”
Endymion looked to the summer fae imploringly as if asking him to break whatever it was to me with gentility.
The younger brother nodded.
“Kaelun,” he finally said.
“Very well. But not a word from you on the subject, understood?”
Endymion’s gaze turned murderous, but he nodded, and I didn’t miss the glint of satisfaction that lit Wymond’s features. This was all a fucken game to him, and we’d walked right onto his board.
Kaelun moved for me, only to realize he was pinned to the ground. Frazzled, he took a deep breath and focused on me. His earnest brown eyes filled with heartbreak, and I hated that it was him having to bear this burden.
“It’s okay, Kaelun,” I said, letting him know that I wouldn’t hold it against him—that it was okay to do as he was asked.
Swallowing, he nodded. “I’ve caught you rubbing here when youthink no one is watching,” he said, bringing his palm to his sternum and rubbing it in a perfect imitation. “Why do you do that?”
“I…” I paused, thinking about how to describe it.
“It’s because it aches, isn’t it?” he asked.
My brows furrowed. “How could you possibly know that?”
Ignoring my question, he said, “What if I told you that you weren’t the only one that felt that pang?” Kaelun and I looked to Endymion, who held my focus as he dipped his chin in confirmation.
“You… you feel it too?” I breathed.
“He does,” Kaelun confirmed, “only, it’s more intense for the male counterpart until the threads are fully woven.”
I shook my head. “I… I don’t understand.”
Kaelun took another deep breath. “In truth, Lady Nyleeria, neither do I. Something like this just doesn’t exist anymore—if ever.”
