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He rushes over to Sunder, showing him the discovery. Eagerly, I join them, hoping to grasp the significance of this finding.
“What does it say? Does it provide any details about the ritual?” I inquire.
Sunder scans the entry and shakes his head. “No, this appears to be more of a journal. It says the apprentice was no longer of value, so Yurghen dismissed him. The entry suggests that he continued his studies with Vandlehe…”
Sunder trails off as he reads the peculiar name. I don’t fully understand what it means or the implications it carries, but I nod along with Sunder and Bobble, anyway.
“Vandlehe being…?” I prompt, seeking clarification.
Bobble shakes his head, as if just realizing that I lack certain knowledge. “Vandlehe was a famous scholar from long ago, but I didn’t know he focused on soul magic. This entry is from two centuries ago, but maybe Vandlehe might remember this guy. If we can find the apprentice, maybe he would know how to help us merge.”
“Are we getting ahead of ourselves, though? I mean… you can’t merge until we have all four of your Shards. Let’s focus on finding more Shards first and worry about the merge and the apprentice later,” I suggest.
“You just want more people to pleasure you,” Sunder teases.
I roll my eyes at him but defend my point. “Yes, but I’m also right.”
Bobble smiles and shrugs. “We don’t know where the others are currently. This is at least a lead. Perhaps we’ll come across another Shard on our journey?”
Sunder nods in agreement, and I raise an eyebrow at their sudden closeness.
Jeez.
One threesome and it’s like they’re wearing matching BFF bracelets.
“We need to depart. Bring the logbook. It’s the best lead we have considering our time constraints. Maybe someone near the capital knows where to find Vandlehe now.”
We quickly prepare ourselves for yet another lengthy journey, packing bags of food, and even bringing along a proper tent.
“Are you planning to feed me anything besides vomit-flavored jerky this time?” I ask Sunder teasingly.
He rolls his eyes and shakes his head. “It’s going to be vomit venison for you from now on,” he says seriously.
We leave within the hour, heading south towards the coast. The thought of visiting the capital both excites and worries me, considering the encounters we’ve had on the road so far. With a mix of anticipation and apprehension, I follow two of my four destined mates out of the tower in search of Yurghen’s old apprentice.
I just hope we find the other two Shards.
Two more mates.
I smile, an impish grin crawling across my cheeks.
I think I could get used to this new life.
Epilogue
Dan’thiel
I sit alone in my study for a long time, watching them walk away from Yurghen’s tower. My Chroma stirs within me, growing stronger with each passing moment.
When the First and Third Shards found the Vessel, I could exert my influence on the world, manipulating the currents of air and aiding them in their Dreamshares. Guiding them towards the bond.
I have yet to understand what about this woman intrigues me so. I suppose that, given my history, she would be my mate as well.
But there’s something not quite right.
Once the First Shard bonded with her, I could sense her too, even if very faint with no true directional indication - an unexpected outcome of our secretive work, even for Rynlin. There’ve been no signs in Illuemera that she could feel me in return, but that does not surprise me.
I’m trapped in a realm between realms, disconnected from their experiences.
