Chapter 32
THALRIC
Morning came far too soon. I hated having to wake her, but I had no choice. Ryllen arrives today, and she must prepare to meet him.
The thought twists like a blade in my gut.
I close my eyes, remembering the way she pressed herself against me in the night, begging me to stay. Gods, if I could, I would hold her forever.
I find my father in the main hallway, his golden gaze unreadable. I fall into step beside him, my wings heavy as despair threatens to swallow me whole.
“The king wishes to see you,” Eldrin says simply, leading me down a side corridor that slopes toward the cliffs. The air grows cooler, and the smell of damp stone fills my nostrils.
When we reach the outer walls, the king is already there with the queen. He gestures toward a carved opening in the cliff face below the castle.
“There is a nest just below Aurora’s balcony,” he says. “The same one your father used when we were younger, before I was king. Do you remember, Eldrin?”
“Of course.” A deep chuckle rumbles in my father’s chest. “It was my second home.”
The king reaches out, clasping my father’s forearm. It’s easy to see the bond of brotherhood between them, the years of trust and loyalty. This is what they wanted for me and Aurora. A bond beyond protector and ward. A bond like family.
The king turns back to me. “Many times, when I feared for my daughter, I found comfort in knowing she was in good hands.”
Beside him, the queen nods, her gaze sweeping over me and my father as well as the Fae Guardians nearby. “Thank you for protecting our precious Rose Aurora.”
It’s still strange to hear her referred to in this way. To me, she has always been simply Aurora. I bow my head. The words of the king and queen should bring me pride, but all I feel is the sharp twist of loss.
When the others finally leave, my father leads me to my new living quarters.
The nest is more luxurious than I expected.
Smooth stone walls curve around the space, a warm fire flickering in the hearth.
Rich furs and silken cushions are scattered throughout, and along the far side, a chest gleams with impressive weapons and treasures.
It speaks of how highly the royal family regards us.
My parents’ nest is near the king and queen’s chambers. A place of honor.
Yet standing here, beneath Aurora’s balcony, the truth burns through me. I’m so close. So near to the one my heart has chosen. And yet, she can never be mine.
“Your training begins tomorrow.” My father rests a hand on my shoulder. “I have no doubt you’ll do well, my son.”
Despite his praise, my gaze lingers on the ceiling of stone above me, where I know her chamber lies. As long as I breathe, I will guard her with everything I am.
A soft rustle interrupts my thoughts. Fiora flies into the cavern, her crimson wings fluttering behind her. Her sisters hover nearby as she moves toward me.
Fiora steps closer, her green eyes searching mine. “All these years we watched you grow alongside Aurora. We just wanted to say”—she glances back at her sisters—“we are truly sorry for… everything, Thalric.”
Swallowing hard, I nod.
Maribel looks at me. “If there was a way to change the spell I used to soften Malvara’s curse, I would do it. For both of you,” she adds. “But it cannot be undone. I’m sorry.”
“We know it isn’t fair,” Lyria adds. “But at least you can still be together, even if…” Her wings shift, the faint tremor betraying her own sorrow. “Even if it is not in the way you wish.”
I say nothing. My silence is stone, unyielding, holding back the roar deep within.
Because she is right. I will bear any heartache to remain near Aurora.
Even if it breaks me.