I took a deep breath as the jeweler heated the metal in a small kiln, its end burning with a heated orange glow. Sainte’s battered face remained emotionless—the left side was a swollen, bruised mess. A sickening tightness churned in my gut as I examined his injuries, imagining the countless gashes and fresh wounds from the flogging.
Its power felt terrible, like a dark beast born from fear. It started small, with Adastrus’ cold gaze—the dread he instilled gave it breath. His abuse, forcingmeto punish Sainte, fed the creature. The worst of it, the act that turned it into a monster, was my brother beating Sainte to torment me.
Now, that monstrous feeling coiled inside, angry and helpless and bitter.
“Are you ready?” the jeweler asked.
I chewed my lip, peering at Sainte below my lashes. “Are you sure?” I whispered.
He held my gaze and gave the smallest of nods. I tried to smile, but my nerves made it impossible. It wavered, then fell away. I stood on the brink of taking a man’s life, future, and freedom.
“Make haste.”
My movements were careful as I grasped the small rod, its end glowing with molten metal. Sainte sat straighter, and I hesitated.
Could I do this to him?
He already gave so much to me. I never asked for this. As a child, he offered hope and a glimmer of happiness in an otherwise dull world. Sainte was always there, my star in the night sky, constant despite clouds or circumstances.
“Princess—”
I took a sharp breath as he pushed his chest to me.
“—this is my choice.”
My teeth sank deeper into my lip at those words. Hand trembling, I eased it forward and dabbed the glowing metal to the band.
“Here now,” the jeweler said.
I handed over the small rod, watching as the silver cooled before my eyes, turning a sooty black.
“Once it cools, you are free to go to Togamar’s temple,” he added, cleaning his workstation.
“Togamar? Goddess of Healing?”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Sainte pulled the leather away from his neck. The chain clinked against his collarbone, firmly in place. I admired it—a small thing to bear for such a heavy weight of loyalty.
“Can’t we use Gilead?” I asked, assuming the jeweler mentioned the temple for Sainte’s sake.
“When we return, we can see her,” Sainte grunted, standing stiffly, “if you would like.”
“For your sake, I would,” I replied, skimming the empty shop. “But why do we need to go to the temple?”
“To finish the velebond.”
“Oh.” My voice carried a hint of surprise, though my expression remained neutral.
I assumed the bond was complete. No one told me there were additional steps. Anderz instructed me on how to ask for the Valahant, and demand the velebond, which I recognized as a type of necklace.
Apparently, crucial details were omitted.
We walked in silence through Wynterborne’s quiet streets. I matched his gait as he endeavored to mask a visible limp. People observed us with unabashedinterest, acknowledging my presence with nods or graceful curtsies. No one approached, and most maintained a respectful distance as we passed by.
He flinched at a wrong movement and sucked in a hissing breath.
“I’m sorry,” I whispered.
