“That’s ridiculous,” I blurt, my voice trembling with disbelief. “How is that even possible?”
Varek’s enigmatic smile deepens. “A theory—one I’ve spent years piecing together. This world isn’t just a random dumping ground for rift fragments. It’s the centre, the nexus. A hive pulling threads from countless worlds into one chaotic web.”
He paces slowly like a predator sizing up prey. “And humans? You’re the common denominator. Since the first one arrived and bonded with someone from this world, the balance shifted. The merges became more frequent. The worlds blended more chaotically. But one thing remains constant: Humans have the unique ability to forge these bonds—mates, fated partners, whatever term you prefer.”
“It’s not unique,” Solan interrupts. “We have bonded in my world.”
Varek doesn’t appear deterred. Instead, he nods. “That may be the case, but here in Terrafeara, my world, and several other worlds, including Earth, the very possibility of having a fated mate ceased to exist hundreds and, in some cases, thousands of years ago.”
The room seems to tilt around me. “No,” I whisper, shaking my head. “That can’t be right.”
“Oh, it is,” Varek says with grim certainty. “And it makes you—humans—a hot commodity.”
A cold dread creeps up my spine, and I instinctively look at Jamie. “You’re saying monsters… creatures… would hunt us for this?”
Varek shrugs as if it’s the most obvious thing in the world. “Some would kill to sever a bond, to prevent the power it brings. Others would do worse to claim it for themselves. Particularly those still unbonded.”
I can barely breathe. “What the fuck?”
“I didn’t know,” Solan says suddenly, his voice breaking through the fog of my thoughts. He turns to me, his gaze fierce and unwavering. “I swear I didn’t know.”
“I….” My throat is dry, my thoughts scattered. “I know.”
“It’s just a theory,” Solan presses, looking back at Varek. “How certain are you?”
Varek’s lips curve into a wry smile. “Certain enough to have survived this long by taking it seriously. Shanae?”
She steps forwards, her expression sombre. “He’s right. I met my fated within the first week of being here. It’s real. And it’s not just humans who feel it—this world seems to draw us together, across species, across worlds. It’s like gravity.”
Shanae’s words hit me like a punch to the gut. This isn’t just about me. It’s about Jamie too.
“You mean….” My voice falters. “Jamie….”
Shanae nods. “Once he’s old enough to bond, yes. He’ll be highly sought after.”
Jamie looks up at me, wide-eyed and scared. “What does that mean, Uncle Jack?”
“It means I have to protect you,” I say firmly, gripping his shoulders. My voice turns to steel. “It means you’re safe with me.”
“With us,” Solan adds, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Varek watches the exchange with an air of detached amusement. “You’re starting to understand. This world isn’t just dangerous because of the monsters roaming its jungles, its plains. Or even because of the realm and the crown that wants to control all species. It’s dangerous because of what you represent. Power. Connection. Change.”
Power. It’s the second time he’s used that word.
A niggling thought at the edge of my brain demands my attention. Something Solan said… or didn’t say, more like.
“There is more to our bonding, but it will take time.”
I think of our heartbeats falling into sync. Then there’s the whole me going all “flame on!” like the hot guy inFantastic Four.
That could be it, right? The extent of the power Varek’s referring to.
“Varek.” Solan’s deep voice takes me by surprise. “You know who I am, correct?”
If he had eyebrows, I’m sure Varek would be arching one at Solan right now. Instead, he nods. “I’ve made sure everyone in the Riftborn knows your name and your capabilities.”
Well, damn… talk about his reputation preceding him. I’ve no idea why Solan doesn’t have an ego the size of a great white.
