Page 39 of The Last Syphon

Felix straightened, smirking playfully.

“Can we return to the matter at hand?!” Lord Villani boomed. “We surely can not allow this to continue.”

Prince Walder relaxed in his throne, not the least bit bothered by Lord Villani’s tone. “And what do you suggest we do? As I have said, the soul-link is formed, and from what Magdala says, it is a strong one. There will be no bending or breaking it. Not without causing death to both.”

Wow. It actually sounds like he cares about my life⁠—

“The thief’s life is of little consequence to me”—awkward…Never mind, then—“but the Guardian Fraener is of extreme importance. We cannot afford to lose a Guardian as strong and powerful as him.”

The ominous tone he spoke in told Inara that she was missing something, but it wasn’t the time or place to pry about it.

“So, your plan is to allow her to keep him?” Lord Tevi questioned, voice rough. “This is highly unprecedented. She is the first non-royal to soul-link with a Guardian. Think of the issues this could cause. If the Arelian citizens find out that anyone can soul-link with a Guardian, not just someone of royal blood, we will have a riot on our hands. Everyone will attempt to form a bond to elevate their status. Think of the uproar. It will be chaos.”

“Perhaps we do not have to tell them she is a non-royal.” Lady Ophera rested her elbow on the armrest and tapped her chin thoughtfully. “Perhaps we could say she is a distant relative from one of our Lines.”

Inara frowned. “I’m not going to lie.”

“You do not have a choice.” Lord Tevi grunted, those cold eyes boring into her Fatesdamned soul. “The kingdom cannot afford to fight amongst itself. Not right now.”

“Why?”

“Details will be made available to you when and if you can prove to be trusted.” Prince Walder’s face left no debate on the matter. “For now, we will simply say she is a distant relative of Line Inx.”

Lady Ophera shook her head. “Absouletly not. Look at her.” She pointed at Inara. “Look at her clothes. Her hair. The way she stands. The way she speaks. She is rough. Unpolished. Like all Borderlanders. She cannot be associated with my Line. She will tarnish it.”

Well. That was fucking rude.

“I will take her,” Lady Niya interjected. “I think she is…interesting.” That didn’t sound like an insult, but it also didn’t sound like a compliment either.

Prince Walder nodded. “It is decided.” He looked at one of the guards posted at a door to the left. “Summon my sister.”

The guard bowed his head and left.

“How did she come upon the Guardian?” Lord Julius asked, his yellow eyes studying her closely.

“I am curious about this as well,” Lord Odami added. The colour etched down the side of his robe was a dark brown, matching his skin.

“She claims she accidentally fell into his den,” Prince Walder answered.

“I’m not claiming anything. It’s the truth. It was an accident.” At least, the soul-link part was. They didn’t have to know about the rest.

Lord Julius frowned. “And the Guardian decided to soul-link with her? Just like that?”

“Just like that,” Inara said, standing tall.

“What is her power?” Lady Ophera asked.

Inara created a bright, golden shield with nothing but a thought. It snapped into existence around Fraener, Felix, and herself in the shape of a dome for a moment before she let it fall away just as fast as it had appeared.

Lady Niya laughed, her blue eyes shining. “I told you she was an interesting one.”

“A Shielder?” Lord Villani’s brows raised high. “We’ve never had a Shielder as a Chosen before.”

“Will she be participating in the Shielder Trials?” Lord Julius asked, an inquisitive look on his face.

Wait a second. That was the same thing Larissa mentioned.

“She cannot,” Lord Odami interjected. “The Trials are dangerous. People have died. We cannot risk her life, for it is now tied to Guardian Fraener.”