Page 141 of A Thread of Breath and Bone

My legs fall open, eager and ready.

“I believe you wanted me to shatter you,” he muses, biting down on my bottom lip, dragging his canines along. “It would be my pleasure.” His fingers wrap around my hand where I’ve gripped him. Guiding my hand, he notches himself at my entrance.

I shift my hips, desperate for the friction, for the weight, for the reality of him. Ryker shakes his head, his hands framing my face with a reverence that almost makes me weep.

“I love you, Soraea,” he whispers down our Bond, his blue eyes swirling with a silver frost. “And I will spend every one of our thousands of lifetimes reminding you that you are mine.”

Before I can breathe out a response, he drives his hips forward. He fills me completely, a delicious, heavy stretch that finally anchors my soul to the world. Our union is more than flesh and desire—together we are destiny finally taking shape.

Chapter 51

Ryker

It’s a strange thing, being able to dream with her. I keep getting flashes of images as I sit here beside her as she sleeps. She’s dreaming of home and of the endless forests of Kyrr. I add more wood to the fire to keep the room warm while she sleeps atop the furs I found in the trunk at the foot of the bed.

I’d laid them out earlier, adding a new sensation to the mix. She had nearly melted into them. For hours, I worshipped her body and soul until she was completely spent. Only after she could barely keep her eyes open, I slipped a silk nightgown over her naked body and curled up behind her.

Unlike her, I can’t sleep. I feel tired, but it’s nothing more than a minor inconvenience. I feel the need to run—to test this new body and find its limits. I know come morning, I’ll have to drag myself away from her and head back to training. The anticipation is almost overwhelming.

My hand glides over the curve of her hip, and even through the layers of silk and fur, I can feel the gold light pulse of her magic answering mine. My need for her isn’t physical anymore—it’s a gravitational pull. Earlier, she feared she wasn't perfect enough for this world, but as I watch her sleep, I realize the gods revealed her depthless beauty and strength. She is the anchor to my storm, and I will spend every one of our thousand lifetimes making sure she never doubts her worth again.

The emissary said the gods had not made a mistake, and he had been right. She was designed for me. I’ve never wished she were anything other than exactly who she is.

The sound of feet shuffling in the hall pulls my attention away from her. I don’t have to strain, it’s just shifting my attention—from one sound to another. I can hear everything in this place they call a sanctuary. From the gurgling of the pools to the soft chatter drifting from the kitchens. Everything except the snoring and conversations I’m sure are taking place behind closed doors. There’s a magical barrier that I can sense like the ward over my room back in Malaya.

I slip from the bed, careful not to wake Raea, and head to check on Clara. I should be more attentive to her, but honestly, there’s been very little time. Turns out, a galaxy on the brink of war that hinges on your mate is a full-time job.

The door creaks as I enter and find my sister fast asleep, blankets pulled high with a dimming fire in the corner. I rekindle the flames before crawling into bed beside her. Maybe it’s selfish, but I pull her into my lap.

She yawns awake, stretching and bleary-eyed. When her gaze lands on me, her blue eyes sparkle as she throws her arms around my neck. “Anders!” she squeals in delight. “What time is it?”

I cradle her to my chest, now realizing how fragile she is. I didn’t realize it would be so obvious. “It's late, little tidefish,” I whisper in her ear.

When she pulls back, I wait as she searches my face, her hands squishing my cheeks as she takes in all the changes. Her fingers tug at my lips, and it takes everything in me not to laugh. Instead of fear, she hums and then moves to her knees so we are eye level.

“I was told you’d be different, but you aren’t that different. Ihrenya said that all Fae males are scary. She’s Elven.” She cups her hand, whispering in my ear, “You’re not that scary.”

This time, I do laugh, tickling her sides until she begs me to stop. I wasn’t sure how she would react, but I’m grateful I’m not frightening her. I need to talk to her. She will have to decide if she wants to change, too. I won’t force it upon her, and I know that if she makes the choice, we may outlive the rest of our family.

When we return to Caelestis, nothing will ever be the same.

“I need to talk to you about something,” I say, settling against the headboard with her tucked into my side. Her blonde curls fall over her shoulders as she yawns sleepily, nodding.

When I ask her if she knows why Raea and I had to change, she tells me that her teachers and friends have been telling her all about the war and how she has Fae blood, but it was changed before she was born. She tells me about Raea’s twin and the shadows and creatures. I learn things no one has bothered to tell me. Things that aren’t that important, but news to me nonetheless.

When she’s done explaining, she asks, “Will I become Fae too?”

There’s a softness to her that I don’t want to lose, but selfishly, I’d love for my sister to be able to protect herself.

“Ihrenya told me that I could become Fae like you, but that the gods would have to decide.”

I pause a moment, thinking about how to word this. I can’t imagine her going through that kind of pain, but Finn had said something about it the other day. I try to recall his exact words. It’s easier on the children, for the gods will have mercy on them.

I sigh, running a hand through my wild hair. “Do you want to become Fae, Clara?”

She shrugs, yawning again. “All my friends are fast, and they get to do cool things. I’m not allowed to climb trees like them or jump from the cliffs because they said I could break a bone or die.”

“There’s more to it than strength. You’ll live for thousands of years. I know you can’t grasp that right now, but it’s a really long time.”