In two zeniths, I will activate the device. If nothing changes between now and then, I will come for you.
Not as a prince. Not as a warrior. But as a man who would forsake worlds just to be by your side.
I hope you understand what that means.
I hope you’ll be waiting for me.
—Orion
Rye,
I just got back to the cabin. The observatory’s mailbox was overflowing.
I read your letters. And the one from your mom. Ouch. I’ll have to win her over later. First I have to apologize to you.
I thought you were done with me, and all this time you were shouting into the void trying to reach me. I’m sorry. I should’ve known. I should’ve felt it.
But there’s something I need to talk to you about, and it can’t wait.
When I left, I said I was going to stay with my friend Liberty. But she wasn’t at her apartment in the city. No one’s seen her. Not her neighbors. Not her coworkers. Not even her parents. It’s been two weeks, and no one’s heard a word.
But I just found a letter from her in my mailbox. She said she met someone. She said he told her they were fated mates. She was giddy. Liberty does not get giddy. And she said his name is Talion.
You said your cousin’s name is Talion.
You said he’s dangerous. That he’s trying to steal the throne.
You said he found a mate who accepted him.
Do you think it could be Liberty? I mean, Talion isn’t a common name. And not many guys on Earth go around talking about fated mates.
Tell me it’s not her. Please tell me it’s not her. Tell me she’s safe. That she’s not caught up in some game of thrones she knows nothing about.
Because if it is her, if Talion took her, seduced her with lies, or used some part of this bond magic to make her trust him, then I’m coming through that portal, and he’s going to have me to deal with.
~Dani
Stardust,
You’re back.
Stars above, you’re back.
I’ve been haunting the corridor outside the portal like a restless spirit. My staff won’t come near me anymore. Even my father told me to go outside and smell a selari. That’s how unbearable I’ve been without word from you.
So yes, I’m relieved. Immensely.
You’re safe. That alone makes the light hit the stones differently today.
And you’re ready to hurl yourself through the portal for Liberty—without hesitation.
No questions.
No delay.
No weeks of courtship.
No weighing of consequence.
