Page 124 of Veiled

I must look startled by the way she says it so casually, because she continues, voice just a touch softer.

“It’s not unheard of to have one or two early bonds per company; we just don’t advertise it, so parents aren’t pushing for their golden child to get more time on the riding grounds to bond.

“But, this will give you a bit of an advantage in training, and I’d be failing you if I didn’t warn you as well...” She pins me with a steady, knowing look. “More eyes will be on you now than ever before. Early bonds tend to wield stronger magics, and stronger magics can draw a lot of attention. I recommend you keep the full range of your magic close to the chest when you discover what it is.”

At that, she turns and walks away.

Matt almost refuses to leave, but a silent conversation passes between Aiden and him, and whatever is said has him kissing me on the head and walking away to find a dragon for practice.

Chapter forty-six

Annalise

Islow as I reach the riding grounds.

The fog is thick, but as far as I can see, there are no riders or instructors, just like every other morning when I run out here.

I may not be able to see him, but I feel him.

WHOOSH. WHOOSH. WHOOSH.

Tyr’s wings beat somewhere above the low canopy of clouds, and I hear as they slow.

The fog comes to life, moving around us as Tyr lands in the center of the riding field.

“You’re thinking too loudly again.”

The deep rumble of his voice tickles my mind, sending a wave of shivers rippling through my body.

“Like I’ve been telling you for the last week…I don’t think loudly, you’re just nosy.”

A huff of heat rolls from his nostrils, laughing at me. Something he has done a lot since we bonded.

“Last class you said my magic will start to manifest soon. Do you know what my power will be? What’s going to happen to me?”

“Yes, I know, and you can stop worrying you’ll turn invisible, and no one will be able to find you. Not only is invisibility not an actual magic you could get, but they are also not infinite, so even if you could get that part of me, which again, you can’t, it wouldn’t last forever.”

That’s what he thinks. Maybe he just can’t see or hear the people who have invisibility magic.

“You’re making me second-guess my choice to bond you…” I can feel his amusement pulsing through our bond. “Anyway, you have nothing to worry about. Your power will be—”

“What? You can’t trail off like that and not tell me.”

His tail flicks up, knocking me over and making me giggle.

“Morphing, Little Faren. Your magic is physical morphing.”

“Oh, thank the gods! I was really hoping I wouldn’t have Earth magic. I can only imagine slipping control while I’m running and then freaking out when tree roots start pulling at my legs in the woods.”

He huffs again, and I can’t believe I was ever scared of him as he leans his head on my leg while I sit on a tree stump.

“So, what exactly does morphing mean? And if that’s what I can do, what do you do?” I ask, imagining him transforming into a dog. He could go on runs with me and sleep in my room...

“I would not reduce myself to looking like a dog,” he growls before continuing, “And magic is adapted to the user, so you have the humanized version of my magic. I can camouflage my appearance to my surroundings.” Suddenly, the space beside me appears empty, but I know it’s not. I can feel the weight of his head where it’s still pressed against me.

“You’re invisible!”

“Not invisible, just blending into my surroundings.”