Finlay tilted his head. “Then why don’t you stop by?”
“We got into a big fight. I’m not sure she wants me around.”
“That’s no excuse.” Finlay shook his head. “If you need to talk to her, go. It seems pretty important.”
I forced the rest of my tears down and wiped my face. “You’re right. Can I borrow your jacket? I need to visit her now. It’s urgent.”
“Sure.” Finlay’s brow furrowed. “Take it for as long as you need.”
“Thanks.” I summoned my wings as I slipped my arms into Finlay’s coat. Finlay waved goodbye, and I flew into the air, wings beating quickly against the cold wind as I turned in a new direction.
I was still mad at my mom, but I needed her to help me. I didn’t even know how to break a bond. It certainly wasn’t common literature in the fae world. Stuff like that was very hush-hush, and for good reason— the Circle didn’t want young mates severing their bonds after heat-of-the-moment arguments or emotional disagreements.
But this was so much bigger. And if I was even considering doing this, I needed information.
My heart skipped a beat as I landed on my mother’s doorstep. I went to knock, but before I could, the door opened.
Mom stood in the doorway. She blinked a few times, and I said, “I’m sorry, Mom. We really need to talk.”
“There’s nothing to forgive. Please, come in.”
Mom ushered me inside. I felt engulfed by the warmth of her cottage. There was a fresh pot of chicken noodle soup on the stove. It smelled warm and welcoming as I took in the scents of broth, carrots, and celery.
“I had a thought you’d be by today. I made it for you,” Mom said.
“Mom, about what happened—”
“You don’t have to apologize. It was wrong to keep you and your brother apart for so long. It’s one of my biggest regrets.” Mom sighed. “But we can’t change the past.”
“Maybe you can help me change the future.” I sat at the table, and she took a seat across from me. “I’ve been thinking… I don’t know if Ethan and I aren’t going to work out.”
Mom raised her eyebrows. “That certainly doesn’t sound like the Emma I know.”
“It doesn’t. But this is more than a break.” I thrummed my fingers on the table. “There are a lot of complicated factors involved.”
“Does it have to do with the prophecy?”
“Kind of,” I said, as I recalled Odette’s words. “I’m still trying to find a way around that.”
“But it’s not easy.”
“It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I’ve all but given up.”
“I assumed so, since you walked in wearing another shifter’s coat.” Mom crossed her arms as she observed Finlay’s jacket— she knew it wasn’t Ethan’s. “The papers haven’t been kind.”
“I’ve stopped reading any articles about me. What they say doesn’t matter.”
“But it does. You have no idea how much.” Mom reached out to grasp my hand. “The gossip that swarmed around me twenty years ago still follows me to this day. I don’t want the same for you.”
My throat tightened. “There’s more on the line than my reputation. I have to break my bond.”
Mom’s cheeks paled. “You can’t do such a thing.”
“I have to. There’s no other choice.” I got up and began pacing around the kitchen. “I’ve tried and tried to find a way, but the closer I get to Ethan, the farther he pulls away. It’s maddening. It hurts. I don’t know if I can do it anymore.”
“Emma, whatever happens, you must keep trying,” Mom insisted. “I still wonder every day if I made the right decision, letting go of King Lycus for your father. I know I did in the end, but still, I have regret.”
“The decision is being taken out of my hands.” I plopped back into the chair. “He’s pulling away from me. He’s not the same man I fell in love with. And to be honest… he gets in the way of my destiny. If Ethan is going to stop me from fulfilling my job as the Worldweaver, he has to go. Saving the fae is more important than any relationship.”
