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“He’s fast and enthusiastic.” We’re watching my excited brother rush away, waving the dagger in his hand like a prize of war and not a gift. “Reminds me of myself at that age.”
“Very.” Leo’s reaction worries me. What could possibly be trying to communicate?
“…and he isn’t telepathic or empathetic?”
“His powers haven’t presented themselves yet. Not that I’m aware of.” I need to speak with Uncle Roberto. “We haven’t been separated that long to—”
“I used that knife to torture Bartolo, Isabella. It’s fae essence he feels.”
“Why give him that? What do the fae have—?” I’m cut off and see it. Leo grown up and standing beside a beautiful woman, her smile radiant and aura sweet and calm, a perfect balance to my brother’s strong will. They’re staring at each other, the word mate slipping past his lips when another man enters the room and swings his sword at her.
“Little Moon?” Xadiel calls out, his hand shaking me lightly. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah. Just saw something.”
“Bad?”
“Not sure yet, but that knife is only the beginning.”
* * *
We’re inside the family mausoleum after the ceremony. People are rushing around outside, the chanting still high and loud while our people celebrate the lives of their fallen king and queen. It was hard on Gabby, on all of us, to release their souls and send them off to the afterlife, but part of life is accepting death.
We are born to die. It’s the circle of life.
Our mates and family have each gone their separate ways for now while the rest of the coven sings. Uncle Roberto is avoiding me, while Theodore and Xadiel are tolerating each other; vampires and werewolves have found a common ground, and it’s because of us. Neither wants to hurt their mate, in my case more than mine has, and understand how sacred the bonds are.
By blood and pact, we are one.
One soul. One heart. One people.
“How are you really, Isa?” Gabriella asks from her seat beside Mom’s urn. It’s silent in here, nothing like the swirl of air—the heavy scent of lavender and patchouli that greeted us earlier. Now it’s a light remembrance. Their souls have been let go, while this place keeps a tiny piece of their essence for us to visit. The private building on the property is for family only, where we come to spend time and reflect, but right now my twin watches me with knowing eyes.
Our connection has always been strong.
It’s hard for us to keep anything from the other, but I’ve had to. Hurts to do so.
I can’t lose either of them. I’ll do whatever must be done to ensure their happiness.
“I’m hanging in there, Sister. It’s the best answer I can give you, to be honest.”
“I can see that.”
“Go ahead and ask.” Wiping Dad’s urn, I place him inside the opened stone door and hold a hand out. Gabriella picks up Mom’s and kisses the top before handing that one over as well. Side by side, they’ll rest inside the deep box at the center of this wall.
Just like in real life. Always together.
“What happened to you, Isa? You’re happy, but there’s this heaviness in your bones—a tear in your heart that I see clear as day.”
“I’m just exhausted.”
“The truth this time.”
For a second, I’m angry at her for the interrogation. For seeing the scars I wish remained hidden, but those green eyes full of unshed tears break me. And I cry. Crumble to the floor and release a year’s worth of pain and falls and the freaking bond that won’t let me rest.
One second, I want to hate him, and the next, beg him to never let me go.
But life is cruel, and nothing is ever guaranteed. I love a man who almost killed me without knowing; a witch after rejection loses her sanity.
