“Tell me something real, Fyn. Something only you and I know.” Each word I spoke grated at my throat.
Fyn held my gaze—he exhaled a ragged breath. “You never visited Lioran because you were bored. I would peek in on you both and saw the way you held his hand, watched over him even as he slept.” He choked on his tears. “That’s when I knew you loved him…and the way he looked back at you, I knew he loved you, too.”
The corner of my lips tugged upward.
“Lioran and Cora…are they bonded?” My breathing slowed with each word. My muscles released, but a throbbing pain spiraled through me.
“No—You are bonded with Lioran. No one can break that—not even the king,” Fyn said.
“I’m here. I’m still yours. Please Aelira, can I hold you?” Lioran reached for me again.
My sobs echoed in the Grove as I nodded. Lioran pulled me into his arms. His heart raced, but I counted each beat and let its rhythm pull me back.
“I almost gave up.” I cried into him.
“But you didn’t—you’re here with me.” Lioran cradled me.
“I chose to stay,” I said.
“You chose?” Lioran gasped, crying, pulling me into him.
“I heard a voice. It gave me choice. I wanted to come back.” I may never know what sang to me in the darkness.
“She needs to rest,” Fyn said.
Lioran gently lifted me so I could sit upright.
The Grove’s cries surged through me, my body quaking in their wake. “It won’t let me.” My voice was only a whisper.
Lioran adjusted his grip on me. “She won’t make it through this if we keep going. There must be another way. Cora, tell me there’s another way. I won’t do this to her.”
“Lioran…I wish I could tell you there was. I wish it for both of you.” Cora’s voice trembled.
“It’s okay.” I bit my lip, blinking away tears. “I will do what is needed, but something is wrong—I am so weak. My body can't handle much more.” I was given a second chance, but I felt as if I was barely hanging on—the little energy I had when we entered the Grove was fleeting. I looked up at him. “Promise me something?”
Lioran pressed his forehead into mine. “You can do this.”
“Promise me you will find my sister and protect her if this doesn’t work. The bargain only meant to claim me—it still wants to.” I shuddered feeling the lands vibrations rolling through me.
“No. I will not make promises for when you’re not here. Don’t ask me to do it.” His head dropped, and a single tear trailed his cheek. “You don’t understand what you’re giving up—why you can’t give up,” Lioran exhaled. “You fought to stay.Weneed you to keep doing that.”
“I will keep fighting until I can’t anymore, but if that time comes, I need to know she will be safe.”
“We will find her. Together.” He held me tighter. “I promise to keep her safe.” I relaxed in his arms. My sister would live—even if I didn’t. He would protect her, when I couldn’t.
I settled against his chest.
“I am yours,” he whispered.
“In every lifetime,” I replied.
His words cradled me just as he had. I couldn’t control my fate. But this moment was still ours—for now, I was still here.
Cora sat beside me, lifting my hand in hers. “You have to hold on—for all of us. Our world needs you—I need you.” My eyes locked on hers, a silent understanding settled between us.
I tried to sit, but my vision spun. Nausea rolled through me.
“You’re…” The lines set around Lioran’s eyes as he exhaled. “You’re not alone in this. I’m right here, beside you.”
