I hadn’t considered that Isolde’s lack of control and fear of her powers might stem from having no real guidance, only expectations.
“She needs training,” I murmured, the realization settling into place. “Not just suppression techniques. Proper education on how to understand and direct her aura. If she felt more in control, she might be more open to accepting the bond.”
“Makes sense.” Adan nodded. “An incubus I know might be able to help. Someone experienced with the mechanics of allure and feeding.”
I hesitated. “An incubus?”
Adan’s mouth twitched with barely suppressed amusement. “Jealous already?”
I growled low in my throat, shadows flickering at my feet. “I’m not sharing my mate with another male—even for training.”
Adan chuckled, a gleam of understanding in his eyes. “Fair enough. Then let’s go with someone safer. There’s a succubus who’s stayed here many times. You know her, Lirael Vesperia.”
I should’ve thought of Lirael myself since I did a surface background check on her, the same as all guests at The Abyss. She was discreet and powerful. Never caused any issues when she stayed here. Was always polite to the staff. Tipped well, too.
Relief eased some of the tension in my shoulders. “Can you reach out to her for me? The sooner the better.”
Adan set his glass down and picked up his phone. “Consider it done. In the meantime, keep doing what you’re doing. She needs to see that her power isn’t a curse. Especially not to you.”
“Thank you.”
As I headed back toward the ninth floor of my wing, the idea took root. If Isolde could learn to trust her aura instead of fearing it, maybe she’d finally stop running from the bond.
From me.
And I was more than ready to show her exactly how little I feared what she was.
The afternoon sun had already begun to slant through the enchanted windows when I found myself standing outside Isolde’s suite again.
I told myself it was a necessary follow-up after the small rift the night before. But the mate bond didn’t care about my excuses. It pulled at me constantly, making every step away from her feel like walking against a current.
I knocked once, then let myself in when she called for me to enter.
She was curled up in the forest-green chair with the new cozy mystery The Abyss had left her, legs tucked beneath her. The moment I stepped inside, her aura reacted—a bright white-blue spark racing along her collarbone before she yanked it back with visible effort.
Her green eyes lifted to mine, wary but not quite afraid anymore. “You’re back already.”
“I wanted to make sure the wards are holding after last night.” I strode halfway across the room, my demon urging me closer. “And I missed you.”
Her pretty green eyes lit up. “Really?”
“Absolutely.”
I moved close enough to her chair that my shadows lightly grazed her arm. Her aura flared again, crackling with tension. I watched it carefully.
“You’re still fighting it,” I murmured.
“I have to.” She set the book aside, her fingers twisting together in her lap. “The pull is constant now, and my power keeps trying to answer.”
I felt the faint static of her aura against my skin. “What happens when you stop fighting it?”
Her eyes widened, fear flashing across her delicate features. “That’s when it becomes dangerous.”
“Not for me.” I took one more step closer, letting my shadows curl gently around her wrist. They didn’t try to restrain her, just pressing lightly enough against her skin so she knew they were there.
The crackling intensified for a heartbeat, then softened as she exhaled shakily. The lightning eased into something almost velvety, brushing against me like silk.
“See?” I rasped, my self-control paper-thin. “You have nothing to be afraid of when you’re with me. Fate paired us together for a reason.”
