He looked between us, then sobered slightly. “You’re here to complete the bonding.”
“Yes,” Devin said.
“Just in time. I had to donate more blood last night. The Rift is cracking.”
“It’s already broken,” I said.
Kassio turned to me, eyes narrowed. “How would you know that, my dear?”
“I felt it as soon as we entered the harbor.”
“I see.” He glanced at Devin, then back to me. “Has he explained the situation? Are you willing to be bound to this fool for the rest of your life?” His gaze was sharp, though kind. A prince’s gaze. One who had ruled in shadow and still kept light in his eyes.
I took a breath. I didn’t look at Devin as I replied. “Yes.”
Kassio nodded once. “I’ll let my father know you’re here and tell the others to prepare for the ritual claiming.” He smacked Devin on the back. Hard. “Congratulations, my friend. She actually seems to like you.”
He turned and strode up the steps again, calling for the guardians.
I felt Devin step close behind me.
I didn’t turn to inspect his expression. I didn’t want to see doubt or disappointment or regret in his eyes. Because in that moment, I was happy. And also… not. Because he hadn’t said anything aboutmeto his prince. No words of affection. No claim. No assurances that he wanted me as much as I wanted him. No whisperedI love you.
All I sensed from Devein was relief. Protection. I was his “miracle”. But was I in hisheart?
I didn’t know.
And it hurt more than I expected.
12
~Devin ~
The Tower was quieterat night.
Not silent—never silent—but still. The kind of stillness that clung to ancient places, where the weight of memory lived in the mortar, and magic never truly slept. Torches burned low in their sconces. The walls hummed faintly with old wards. And below The Spire, the Rift pulsed in the dark, whispering to the shadows.
I stood by the stone balcony that overlooked the western cliffs, the wind cold and briny on my face. The stars were bright. Clear. It should have felt peaceful.
But it didn’t.
Behind me, Kassio leaned against the railing, arms crossed, a wineglass in hand, his expression unreadable. “She said yes,” he said at last.
“Yes,” I replied.
“And you haven’t told her.”
My jaw clenched. “Told her what?”
“That you love her.”
I didn’t respond.
He exhaled slowly, swirling the wine in his glass. “You’re a fool, brother.”
“She’s not ready to hear it. She’s been through enough the last few days.”
“No,you’renot ready tosayit.”
