“The binding is complete.” Elias’ voice echoed within the chamber.I had completely forgotten where we were and who was watching. All that mattered was Alaric at that moment.
The chamber was so quiet I could hear the drip of water echoing somewhere in the tunnels. Elias lowered his hands, his face unreadable, though his eyes gleamed with something I couldn’t name—pride, fear, or both. I heard someone scoff, their heels clicking against the stone as they turned away. Others followed until finally it was just Alaric, me, and the rest of the Council. Dan coughed uncomfortably, most likely to get our attention. Alaric and I had to forcibly remove ourselves from each other’s embrace, but kept our hands linked. We turned to face the Council, united.
“Welcome to the family, Mari.” Nico beamed, stepping forward to envelop me in an embrace. Alaric still refused to let go of my hand, both of our powers seeming to simmer on the surface, desperate to intertwine. I felt that at that moment, with Alaric by my side, there was nothing I couldn’t do.
Nico pulled back and then leaned in to embrace Alaric. “This is a rare blessing among a thousand curses. Cherish each other.”
“Or a malediction meant to doom us all.” Dr. Duvall countered, brushing past us towards the exit. “Do try not to take us down with you should you fail.”
“Well, now that’s out of the way, let’s get back to business,” Richard replied dismissively, pulling at his cufflinks. “I expect you both here tomorrow after school to continue your training. Alaric, let’s go.”
“Go?” Alaric countered. “I’ve just been bonded to my Twinflame, and you want us to separate already? Can’t we have a few moments together?”
Richard looked between us disdainfully. “I was under the impression that a Twinflame bond would make you stronger. Is this going to be a crutch instead of a strength worth the name?”
Alaric and Richard held eye contact, each one waiting for the other to fold. Tension was rising when I finally broke it, feelings of anger and resentment, not my own, but Alaric’s, forcing me to speak.
“It’s okay, Alaric,” I said, pulling his attention away from his father and back to me. “I’m pretty tired. I’ll see you at school first thing.”
“I’ll meet you in front of your apartment,” he countered, turning to face me. “Text me when you get home.”
“She’ll be with me,” Uncle Dan added, stepping forward. “She’ll be fine.”
“My life is tied to hers now, so please forgive me if I don’t take your word for it,” Alaric bit back.
“I’ll text you,” I replied. “I’ll share my location with you too.” Suddenly, the idea didn’t sound as preposterous as it had earlier today.
Relief flooded Alaric’s eyes as he leaned down to kiss me on the cheek. His touch flared the power within each of us so intensely, we both inhaled sharply. He finally let go and followed his father out of the chamber, glancing back at me until he disappeared down the hall.
The tether that I had felt tying me to him sharpened, and an empty echo within my chest hummed incessantly. I had to fight back the urge to run after him. I feared his absence was another sort of death mark that the bond could never heal, a hollow dearth that both terrified and comforted me. Ineeded him,and needing him might be the most dangerous thing of all.
Chapter Fifteen
Iwas foolishly under the impression that after coming into my full Bloodwright status and taking care of the death mark through my new Twinflame bond, I would be in more control, no longer having to worry about being pulled into death echoes or unsettling dreams. But that first night after the blood-binding ceremony, I dreamed of Nana again.
It was the same place in Central Park, in front of the Obelisk monument. Nana was sitting on a bench in front of the statue, this time not on fire, but glowing faintly. She seemed worried; her forehead creased in concern as she stared at the stone needle.
“Nana?” I questioned as I walked closer. This dream felt more lifelike, more real. The haziness and distortion I had experienced in previous dreams were gone, like I could finally see clearly.
Nana turned toward me, her long gray hair braided in its usual style, her soft blue eyes widening as she noticed me, almost as if my presence was a surprise she wasn’t expecting.
“Mari,” she breathed, relief palpable in her voice. “Please, come sit with me, dear.”
I did as she said, feeling the warmth of her body as if shewere truly alive and breathing.
“Is this real?” I asked, unable to take my eyes off her. She looked so vibrant, worry clouding her eyes, but real and alive at the same time.
She patted my leg, taking my hand, the one wearing Alaric’s ring, in hers. She reached for my other hand, her soft fingers tracing my new scars, the ones formed from the blood-binding.
“Oh, it’s real, my dear.” She finally spoke, her eyes meeting mine, tears of unsaid emotions glistening there. “I’m so sorry for all this. I tried to protect you.”
I shook my head, willing the tears stinging the back of my eyes to disappear. “What do you mean?”
She sighed heavily. “I don’t have much time. He’s given me far more than I could have imagined, letting me stay with you a while longer.” She lifted her hand to my pendant, the soft glow of the white jade shining and pulsing as Nana touched it.
“I don’t understand.” I shook my head. “Who are you talking about?”
“Don’t always believe what you are told,” she replied, her voice thick with hidden meaning. “You must determine for yourself what is truth and what is falsehood.”
