Page 87 of A Thread of Breath and Bone

“He always told me the reason why Raea and I never were at the same events growing up, the balls and meetings, was because you were keeping her locked away, afraid for her Bond.”

King Bastian shakes his head with a disbelieving laugh. “My fear for Raea’s Bond was only this year when I realized what you two were. I didn’t want anyone else getting close enough. Why do you think I asked for you specifically? I knew once I remembered the prophecy and wanted to ensure—” He shakes his head. “No, atone for my part. I knew you would need time to rebuild the trust we stole from you. For my part in this, I’m truly sorry.”

Everyone is silent, lost in thought for several long minutes.

Raea wipes away her tears, straightening in her chair. “So what now?”

“Let’s get through what Astor and Calia said first. At this point, deciphering their cryptic words seems an easier task than dealing with the implications of my father’s sudden return.”

Raea stands, brushing her hands down her sleeping pants. “Well, then I guess we will need Elison.”

Chapter 31

Raea

She waits beneath the evening sun—patient, deliberate. Two crowns and a son now bend beneath darkness, and their choices will hasten the unraveling of the Veil.

Beware the one whose heart stands divided. Darkness is the home she knows. Light has yet to claim her. And the crown you would trust? Its bearer is no longer whole. What was once loyalty now festers in shadow.

The war that approaches cannot be stopped. It cannot be reasoned with. It cannot be defeated. It must be survived—until true balance is restored. Awaken the storms, rebuild what has been lost, and light the way home.

An hour later, the four of us sit around the table in the library, needing more room to work. We’ve concluded that Astor’s warning most likely includes King Alexi, but who the son and the other crown is, we have no clue.

Calia said we had to go to Caelus—the fifth god and youngest sibling. I don’t even know how we will get there, but I guess we’ll have to try. Maybe one of the larger transports could make it.

Elison brought the only surviving map of the galaxy, the one with approximate locations as to where the other systems are. Even with our current tech, we can’t get to Auralan. Not unless there is another portal we don’t know about.

Elison runs a hand over his short coils. “The awakening I believe Calia was speaking of has to be the awakening of your lifeforce. There’s very little mention of it.” He shakes his head. “But you’ll need your Aethermark Bond sealed with all eight runes. For that, there’s a set of trials you must complete before it’s sealed with a rite.”

“But why would the Aethermark fix the lifeforce?” I ask.

“And does that mean we become Fae and Elven?” Ryker asks.

Elison shakes his head. “I don’t know. I believe the awakening will restore you.” He sits down on the edge of the chair, a leg propped up as he strokes his chin. “Your magic must be tied to your bloodlines.” He glances at my father. “If restored, my assumption is you’ll no longer be human, allowing your magic to fully manifest.”

Elison’s words hang in the air. The idea that the awakening will "restore" us adds a layer of existential dread to the war we are already failing to stop.

I feel Ryker shift beside me, his jaw tightening as he leans into my space. It’s a subtle movement, but through the Bond, I can feel him already bracing for the physical and spiritual toll these trials will demand of me.

Ryker clears his throat. “But she already used her magic, and she’s still human.”

My father nods. He’s been pacing back and forth mostly, listening and thinking. “Or we haven’t seen the full extent of those powers.”

A knock at the door pauses us as my mother steps inside. She looks beautiful, like always, but my favorite look of hers is when she’s just Amaya, not the queen. She’s dressed in a simple gown with a thick robe, her hair falling freely around her shoulders. The chestnut strands flow as she stands beside my father.

In a gentle voice, she says, “It’s late. Nothing can be decided with tired minds. Tomorrow we all travel to Malaya for the start of the week. Let’s get some rest, and you can work on the flight over.” She nods to my father, her subtle way of saying it’s not up for discussion.

She’s right, of course. I’m so tired I feel sick.

“Elison, you’ll travel with us to Malaya. Can you be ready to leave after breakfast?” my father asks.

Elison agrees, collecting the books and papers as he bows before disappearing through the door.

Ryker stands, offering me a hand.

I accept it, allowing myself to be pulled into his arms with ease. “I’ll walk you to your room.”

My mother wishes us a goodnight as we take our leave.