Chapter 3 Lost Heirloom #3
He reached into his coat and drew out a small velvet pouch. His movements were deliberate, almost reverent, as he opened it and revealed a fine gold heirloom, the Solenhart protection charm. My heirloom.
The sunburst at its center caught the light, glinting softly before he stepped forward and fastened it around my wrist.
The moment the metal touched my skin, warmth spread across my wrist gently. It pulsed once, bright as a heartbeat, and I knew we were bound again.
“When I saw it missing, I assumed you’d lost it during your…
rebellious walk to Elarion,” Thalen said, the faintest hint of amusement in his tone.
“I got worried and looked for it myself. I found it near the Gate of Solstice and Dusk. The crown has enemies, inside and outside these walls. People would kill for that protection heirloom and shield against the queen sight or any other mental magic. Your heirloom is powerful, rare, and forbidden to anyone but you.”
Thalen was right. Only I was allowed to wear one, because it kept even her from seeing my future. If I had truly lost it, my mother’s fury would’ve burned through the island. No commoner could ever wield such protection without her knowing.
I exhaled shakily. “You assumed right. I did a rebellious walk with Shakari. Thank you for finding it.”
Thalen studied me carefully, as if choosing his words with care.
“You were called to Dragontail today, Thea. And you didn’t have your protection heirloom.” His jaw tightened. “That’s one hell of a coincidence. You cut your hand like a savage like those who seek to be warriors.” Worry spread openly across his face.
“I…I wanted this,” I said, my voice sharpening despite myself.
“I’ve always wanted this. It’s not something I chose in that moment.
The Siren speaks for the island.” I lifted my chin.
“I may have cut my hand like those who wish for Dragontail, but if the Siren hadn’t seen that truth in me, I wouldn’t have been called at all. ”
My words came out harsher than I intended. He had a point. It was a coincidence but not one I believed anyone had planted in my mind. I wanted this. And I was happy for it.
“I also have defenses far beyond an heirloom,” I continued. “I was trained by the best tutors in the Glass Castle. No one manipulated my intentions. No one guided the Siren toward Dragontail on my behalf.”
His face paled slightly, realization flickering through his eyes as he understood he’d crossed a line.
“I’m sorry,” he said quietly. “Just… don’t tell anyone you lost it. You being in Dragontail is already complicated enough. Losing your heirloom before your Calling would invite even more speculation.”
Thalen wasn’t wrong. It would look as though someone had infiltrated my mind, pushed me toward that legion, even though I knew, deep down, the choice had always been mine. But I nodded.
“Why?” I asked softly. “Why does the kingdom always come first? Before what I want. Before what you want. Before what we want.”
Thalen didn’t answer immediately.
“This is our duty,” he said at last. “Rionis comes first. You know that.” His voice steadied.
“I know you never wanted to rule, but this decision affects everyone more than you realize. The wildweavers and the dragons are growing stronger beyond the Auroric Veil. The last thing we need is instability in leadership.”
My gaze dropped to the floor as I absorbed every word. It was all true. Maybe I was being selfish.
“But we’ll figure this out,” Thalen added, certainty threading his reassurance. “Your mother and my father will find a way to secure political stability and crown succession.”
I took those words in and looked at his beautiful golden eyes. I wanted to move on from that conversation already. I understood well enough what my placement in Dragontail meant for me and the entire island of Rionis.
“I’m sorry about earlier in the courtyard. I was out of line.” I said with pure honesty. “You wanted to ask for my heirloom, and I thought you were prying about the engagement ring.”
He shook his head. “You don’t need to apologize. I’ve given you enough reasons to be angry. But I’ll always care about you, Thea. I’ll always protect you.” His voice softened, almost cracking.
“I know,” I murmured, forcing a smile.
“Take some rest, it’s going to be a long week,” Thalen said hopelessly.
“Yes, but before you go…” I hesitated. “You said the crown has enemies here, too. I’ve heard there’s a Moonveil in Dragontail, a second-year. It seems he hates me because I am a Solenhart. Who is he?”
Thalen’s face didn’t move a muscle, showing any emotion. “Lorik Draventh.” “I don’t recognize the name,” I said slowly.
“He is no threat to you. Don’t worry about him,” he said finally, his voice low and strained. “He can’t reach you now. You are a Dragontail, and you are protected by the legion magic. And your mind is protected by your heirloom. Just don’t take it off, Thea. Now rest, you need it.”
He leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss against my cheek, familiar, restrained, and full of everything left unsaid. Then he turned and walked out, leaving the door half-open and the weight of his silence hanging in the air like a blade suspended by a thread.
Thalen’s words sunk in. No one in Dragontail could attempt my life without repercussions. The Calling bound each legion to its own, an unbreakable oath. To raise a hand against someone in your legion was to forfeit your magic entirely. No one would give that up. Not for power. Not even for revenge.
Relief slipped through me, slow and grounding, and I let the thought fade away.
I walked into my room, shutting the door quietly behind me before leaning against it.
The thought lingered—how considerate Thalen had been.
For a brief moment, he felt like my Thalen again.
Not the General’s son. Not the one who betrayed me.
But the male who used to care. The one who could find me even when I was falling apart.