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Before I had a fragment of their souls entangled with mine.
Before I had thisenergyburning through my veins, a blessing instead of a curse if I managed it well.
Now? I think I actually could.
“I might be up for that.”
Elias nods, an expression of serious consideration on his face. “However, I did not intend to discuss that right now.”
Elias approaches and settles on the sofa, beckoning me to join him. When I do, he conjures something in his hands, a deep black circle of twisting bands of shadows, each seeming to be made up of hundreds of strands as fine as a hair. They almost remind me of the diagram Elias created when he was trying to explain the functionality of souls at the restaurant.
“It is almost complete,” he says. “I will shrink it down to the form of a ring after the final touches. When you wear it, it will keep your energy stable, and shield you from experiencing any emotional feedback from Caelan and me.”
My relief is palpable, more at the idea of being able to reliably stabilize my energy than shying away from being able to sense the two of them.
“This is only a crutch,” Elias reminds me gently. “Use it when you need it to allow you to continue your life as normal, but do not become overly reliant on it. I would not see your soul wither.”
“I understand.” Although the truth is, I am not sure I entirely do, and his wording sends a small shiver of apprehension through me. “What about my soul withering?”
“Imagine it like a cast on a broken leg. Once finally removed, the muscle below is wasted away.”
Staring at the strange black mass Elias is holding, I wonder if this is a good idea after all. “That doesn’t sound ideal.” I was just starting to feel like I was coming into my own, getting used to all of this. I don’t want to wither.
“I would not offer you this course if it would harm you. That would only occur if you were to wear the ring permanently.”
Accepting that explanation, I nod. “It’s almost complete?”
Elias smiles. “One last touch. Your energy.”
“Oh.” I inhale sharply. “I don’t know how to…” Trailing off, I gesture vaguely instead, hoping to convey the general meaning. I don’t know how to manipulate energy or create things from thin air as he does or anything of the sort.
“I will guide you.”
One of Elias’ hands remains holding the indistinct, shadowy band while his other takes mine. He pulls my fingers through the middle of the black mass, holding them while his thumb strokes my knuckles.
“Try to imagine your energy gathering in your palm. A small orb, that is all that is needed.”
Feeling foolish and uncertain whether I could possibly achieve anything, I follow his direction. Nothing seems to happen, but Elias just watches me with a fond smile and all the patience in the world, and it makes my face redden. It’s such a contrast to the anguish hidden below his surface, yet he makes the effort for me.
He snaps his fingers and the shadows writhe, coalescing from their entwining, smoky black ropes into a solid ring. It falls into the palm of my hand.
It is a plain band as dark as Elias’ magic, except for one small, silvery crystal set in it. He takes it from me and slides it onto my finger, kissing my forehead.
“Thank you,” I say softly. The words don’t do it justice.
Monday comes and goes, and I don’t leave, even though I could and should. I have Elias’ ring to tide me over if necessary now. Yet I can’t face going back to my old life. The improvement has been steady, but even so, two days isn’t enough to recover.
For better or worse, I’m bound permanently to them now, and nothing will ever be quite the same.
ChapterTwenty-Seven
The ring Elias made helps a lot. That, and just time. The manic moments get fewer and further between, and the overwhelming panic and lack of control gradually fade as the week passes. I feel stronger. The vibrancy of the world feels more natural. Being around Elias and Caelan doesn’t haunt me with phantoms of their intense emotions, which I’m extremely grateful for. Imissedthis—the ease and joy of just being with them.
I curl up against Caelan on the sofa. The television is playing something in the background, but I’m not really paying attention to it. I’m just enjoying being with Caelan. It feels like home.
Everything about him. His crude sense of humor, laughing at all the worst jokes in the show he’s watching, and the way his voice glitches ever so slightly when he cackles. The fact that, despite trying to act tough and like he doesn’t care about affection, he easily slips an arm around my waist without thinking. The electric yellow of his eyes, unnatural and demonic, yet fondly amused when he glances over to find me staring.
I press a gentle kiss against his neck. “You’re gorgeous,” I say, and he grins.
