The things Daya had told him were starting to make more sense.The way she was completely bound and unable to leave the mountain’s shadow.The life sacrifice required to become a guardian.But she’d never mentioned anything about protectors.Because she herself didn’t know, or because she didn’t want to encourage him with dangerous ideas?
“What exactly do you mean by that?”Connor asked.His father had used the term protector as well, in his story about Gedeon.“Were there more individuals than just the guardian who were linked to the site?”
“Yes.”Charmaine touched the armor reverently.“We don’t know much, but there were others called in service to the site, just none bound so closely as its core guardian.Protectors, messengers, teachers.Caretakers for the land.All called magically, selected in some way no one understood, bound to the site and to each other.”
He looked at the woman who had gone out of her way to love and support him after his own mother died.Though not officially part of his life in a titled way like Alison had been, she’d extended the circle of her nurturing arms to encompass him in addition to her own son.Drawn him in for meals and offered him affection without judgment.
Listened to his smallest worries and shared wisdom that reached far beyond the training fields he’d stuck to with Alison.Told him tales of the ancient past to ensure he and Ryan were rooted in a strong foundation for their occupation as warriors.He owed much of his strength and stability to her.
Most importantly, he trusted her implicitly.Felt safe to share his deepest fears and ask for guidance.
“Why would… a sacred site reject someone it had called?”Connor’s heart pounded as he asked the question that had been lurking in his mind, slowly tearing away at his him.
Charmaine hesitated.
“Please.It’s important to me.”
His soul hung on a precipice as he waited for her answer.
“Bonds are about intention, Connor.Even if two people are a perfect match to form a soul bond, that’s only one aspect.It’s about so much more.Wholehearted commitment.Unwavering devotion.But it’s still a choice, even if it seems to happen without conscious decision much of the time.”
What are you willing to give?Hannelore’s question whispered through him with visceral force.He hadn’t understood.Had thought it was a fevered dream.What if it was too late to answer?
“How do I know?If it would accept me?”
“Well, if we were talking about a bond with another person, I would tell you to simply ask.”
Connor forced a laugh.If only it were that easy.Even if it were, was that what he wanted?It would alter his life.His very existence.Opal’s as well, as he’d claimed her as a daughter.And if he was wrong… it would orphan Opal for the second time in her young life.Could he knowingly take that risk?
His death at the hands of her beloved mountain would devastate Daya.Shatter Veda’s new relationship with the mountain.His initial excitement dimmed.Challenging Hannelore put more than just his soul on the line.It put theirs as well.His mate and daughters.He would risk himself in a heartbeat, but they were precious to him.
“Can you keep this between us?I… have some things to consider.”
Charmaine gave him a mother’s knowing look and touched his cheek.“Of course.I’ll see if I can find any more information to help you.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re like my own, Connor, and a brother to Ryan.Whatever you need that I can give you is yours.”
Connor swallowed the lump in his throat.He’d be giving up so much if he left.More than just his sisters.Ryan and Charmaine were part of his family as well.
“If you do go, I want to meet this guardian someday.She must be something, to put that look in your eye.”
“She is,” he said softly.“So is my other daughter, Veda.Her guardian apprentice.”
Sorrow mixed with the motherly love in Charmaine’s expression.“You left most of your heart behind, didn’t you?”
“Yes.We decided it was the best choice.But…” He ran his hand over the book and shook his head.“This knowledge changes things for me.”
“Da, look!”Opal exclaimed, pulling him out of his intense thoughts.
He reined in his emotions as she came over and lifted her to his lap so that she could put the book she’d brought them on Charmaine’s desk.
“What is it, little mite?”he asked.
“See, it’s you, with wings.”She pointed to an image in the storybook.
Depicted was a warrior with huge wings that appeared to be made of sunlight.A saber was gripped in his hand, ready for use, as he flew amidst thunderous clouds.
