Page 101 of Echoes From the Void
“I know what you mean.” My shadows curl thoughtfully as I think of how differently they react to each of my mates. “It’s like they complete something you didn’t even know was missing.”
We sit in comfortable silence, twins sharing an understanding that goes beyond words. The void pulses beneath us, but for just a moment, we’re just a brother and sister sharing secrets in the dark.
“So...” His light flickers playfully. “Who’s the best kisser?”
“I am not answering that.”
“Come on,” he wheedles. “For science. For twin bonding.”
“For blackmail material, you mean.” But laughter bubbles up despite everything. “They’re all... different. Special in their own ways.”
“Diplomatic.” His light pulses with amusement. “Very political of you.”
“Says the one who turns into a stammering mess whenever Tori smiles at you.”
“I do not stammer!” A pause as his light flickers. “Much.”
Our laughter echoes in the empty cafeteria—normal siblings teasing about crushes for just a moment. My shadows dance with his light, creating patterns that remind me of what could have been in another life.
“You know,” I say, deliberately casual as my wolves circle lazily, “as future alpha of her own pack, Tori can choose as many mates as she wants. It’s tradition, actually.”
Finn chokes, his light flickering wildly. “What?”
“Oh yes. Multiple mates is quite common for strong shadow shifters.” I examine my nails, fighting a grin. “I’m sure she has plenty of options. All those Guardian trainees always hanging around the archives...”
“They what?” His voice cracks as his light flares with possessive panic before he catches my expression. “You’re messing with me.”
“Only mostly.” My shadows curl with amusement. “She really can choose multiple mates. Though from how her shadows reach for your light, I’d say her choice is pretty clear.”
“You’re evil,” he mutters, but his light pulses with pleased warmth. “Absolute evil.”
“It’s the shadow shifter in me.” I bump his shoulder, our essence merging briefly. “Better get used to it, brother dear.”
His response comes softer, serious despite his lingering embarrassment. “Good.”
But beneath us, the void’s hunger grows stronger. Reality settling back in like a physical weight.
Finn’s hand finds mine across the table, light and shadow merging seamlessly. The void’s pulse grows stronger, impossible to ignore now.
“I wish...” he starts softly, his light dimming.
“I know,” I whisper, feeling his regret echo through our bond. “Me too.”
We stand together, our combined power making the air shimmer with possibility. One last look at each other—mirror images of what could have been in a gentler world. One without prophecies or sacrifices or realms to save.
“Ready?” His light reaches for my shadows.
I squeeze his hand. “Together.”
The void beckons below, hungry and ancient. My wolves circle us as his foxes materialize, their ethereal forms creating a ring of merged power. For the first time since finding each other, we face our destiny not as separate halves, but as a whole.
“One last thing,” I say, turning to my twin. My voice stays steady despite everything. “If by some miracle we survive this...”
“Ask Tori out properly?” His smile is soft, sad. Understanding.
“And tell her how you feel. No more stammering, blushing nonsense.”
“Only if you promise to let them take care of you,” he counters quietly. “All of them. No more carrying everything alone.”
