Chapter 14 #3
He pauses for a moment, considering my offer, then nods eagerly. A breath of relief rushes out of me. He wraps an arm around my shoulders as we ascend the stairs to his room to drop off his books and change before heading to mine.
We have the whole hour to talk before Bonding class, and I plan to take full advantage of it, giving him all of my undivided attention.
Once we’re in my room, the open space feels instantly cozier with him there.
After I slip into my gown, Kellan launches into an animated update about his studies, his Division class, and his current projects.
“I’m flying to Mori next week for two days!
” he exclaims, dropping down on the sofa.
“A few of us were chosen to observe their intelligence command center, which is supposed to be state-of-the-art.” With every word, his grin broadens, his shoulders relax, and something about his enthusiasm brightens his whole countenance.
I gently bump my shoulder against his, mirroring his excitement. “That sounds incredible. I’m happy for you, Kel. It seems like you love working with Intel.” I tilt my head back, soaking up the warm, golden sunshine streaming through the open doors.
“I think I’ve discovered my thing, you know?
Like my passion and place in society. Do you think your father might consider me for a role in intelligence at the palace?
” I glance over at him, and I can’t help but grin.
Not because of the Bond, a shimmer of green wrapping around us like tendrils of smoke, but because of his palpable joy.
The sunlight filters through the leaves above, casting a warm glow on his brown curls and highlighting the freckles scattered across his cheekbones and nose. I’ve counted every single freckle—there are seventeen of them, to be exact.
“You’re smart and dedicated, Kel. You can achieve anything you set your mind to, and you’re like family.
I’m sure my father would love to have you working at the palace.
” I feel a rush of love swell within me, fortified by our history, our friendship, and our familiarity; at this moment, it feels unbreakable.
He pulls me close, enveloping me in his comforting scent of cinnamon and pine, reminding me so much of home that my chest aches.
We both fall silent, allowing the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze to wrap around us. He leans back on the armrest, bringing me with him until I’m settled against his chest.
After several long minutes of silence, I recount my time in the simulator last week.
He chuckles and encourages me to keep training.
He playfully complains that they need a new simulation for sword fighters.
I laugh and jokingly offer to submit a formal complaint on his behalf.
The shaking rumble of his chest is his only response.
In moments like these, I remind myself this is why he’s my best friend.
I can’t lose him.
“Are you going home for break?” Kellan asks.
We have a week-long break next month, a time for students to unwind and recharge before returning for the rest of the school year.
Some of our friends plan to vacation on beaches in Okenen, while others have decided to take the opportunity to see new planets.
Meanwhile, I'll use the six days away to spend quality time with my family.
On Kyrr, the entire week is spent celebrating and honoring the gods, the festivities transforming cities and villages into swaths of color and life.
Origin Day is the one occasion celebrated throughout the entire system.
Each kingdom celebrates in its own way, weaving its own traditions into the festivities.
Every capital city holds towering statues of the gods.
Yet the faithful travel farther, making pilgrimages to their kingdoms’ capitals for the great celebrations at the sacred temples.
There, gratitude is given, offerings are left, and blessings are sought for protection.
I can’t help but chuckle while rolling my eyes. “You know I don’t get to choose.” My features soften as I think about the rest of our plans. “Besides, my mother is planning a trip to Kliax for two days of diving with Moonrays.”
The mesmerizing creatures are nothing short of magical, with their shimmering, translucent bodies gliding through the clear water and bioluminescent tails illuminating the dark when they dive into the depths. They also have a charming quirk of cuddling with people.
“What about you?”
“My father has organized a trip for us to the capital on Gowden,” he says with a shrug of disinterest. “After that, we’ll spend a few days skiing in Ateria. We haven’t decided on which resort to stay at.”
“You should totally go to Ziofrost!” I exclaim, unable to contain my enthusiasm.
“Their hot springs are the absolute best after a long day on the slopes. Just picture yourself soaking in bubbling warm waters, steam rising up all around you, and views of the snow-capped mountains at sunset. It’s the most beautiful experience. Promise me you’ll go.”
Kellan sits us up, retrieving his Prism from his pocket, and after a few moments, projects colorful holograms of Ziofrost above the device.
Resort layouts, images of the hot springs at sunset, photos of customers on the snowy slopes.
We lose ourselves in the details of planning his trip, discussing which slopes to hit first and where to eat.
We’re so lost in planning that we almost forget we’re supposed to be headed to Bonding class.
In a flurry to get to class on time, we grab our tablets and rush toward the door.
I swing it open and collide with Anders’ solid chest. I silently curse him as he steadies me, his grip firm around my upper arms. As I regain my balance, I catch a glimpse of his emotions flashing across his features.
First amusement, then fury, as he glances over my shoulder, most likely finding Kellan coming out of my room.
He masks it quickly, a broad, smug smile transforming his face as he slips an arm around my shoulders, tucking me in tight.
“Running late again, Princess?” he teases.
For a brief second, I feel a rush of gratitude for his decision to keep our little incident this morning to himself. I reluctantly pull away from him, already missing the warmth and stability of his body beside mine.
What the hell is wrong with me? I shake my head, clearing my thoughts and mustering some defiance.
“I seem to recall this question from the first day of school, and my answer is still the same,” I reply with as much sass as I can throw his way.
He casually leans a shoulder against the wall, blocking Kellan in the process, his hands tucked comfortably in his pockets, looking very much the part of an arrogant prince.
His lips tilt up slightly, clearly enjoying this back-and-forth banter between us.
“Could you at least stand somewhere else so I’m not always running into you? Perhaps against the railing?” I let out my frustration, gesturing to the railing for emphasis. His smirk widens, the look only antagonizing me more.
“Oh, but I love it when you run into me,” he purrs, his eyes darkening with desire.
Memories of this morning dance in my mind.
Lying across his sweat-slicked body in the middle of the woods was a little more than ‘running into him.’ A blush rises to my cheeks.
There’s an undeniable truth to his words in his eyes that makes our little…
okay, obscenely large, impossible-to-miss Bond shimmer even more.
Before I can dwell on it, I roll my eyes and pivot on my heel, determined to put distance between us.
It’s a familiar dance the two of us seem to repeat over and over again.
Much to my dismay, or enjoyment, before I can reach the end of the hall, Anders is beside me, keeping pace and effortlessly blocking Kellan, who is trying to reach my side.
I shoot Anders an annoyed glance, silently pleading for a moment’s peace.
Before I can slip into class, a ripple of happiness at our constant banter rushes through me. “Bye, Prince,” I say over my shoulder, earning a hint of that annoyingly adorable smirk.
I settle into my usual seat, with Ciara on one side and Kellan on the other. Right behind me, Anders drops into his seat with Trysten and Sienna at his sides. I don’t know what it is about her, but something deep inside me dislikes her with an intensity I usually reserve for my enemies.
Professor Becca makes her way up to the dais, looking out over us with excitement.
She’s dressed in a black long-sleeve gown, belted at her waist with knee-high boots, her Bond mark flowing seamlessly with the lace sleeves of her dress.
She looks radiant—and hot. I wonder if she is headed home after this. Maybe she has a date with her husband.
“Alright, everyone,” she begins, placing her hands on her hips with a knowing smile, like she’s about to spill some secret. “Today, we are diving into the topic of the magic of the Bond!” Professor Becca clasps her hands excitedly as whispers ripple through the hall.
Professor Becca takes a moment, allowing the murmurs to settle before continuing.
“The Bond itself is a mystery as to how it chooses your partner, but we know that there’s one perfect match for you.
When you go through The Ceremony, you will Bond with someone who has the perfect match in energies.
Once the connection is complete, a Bond marking appears, solidifying it. ”
“Yay, a forced tattoo,” I mutter, earning a small smile from both of my friends. Tate leans forward, shooting a disappointed glance my way.
“So grumpy,” he grumbles. “I want a Bonding mark.”
Ciara stifles a laugh, hiding her face in her palms. I wiggle my brows and smirk at him.
“Didn’t know you were such a romantic,” I tease.
He mumbles something about true love and being lucky enough to find a soul mate.
In front of us, a projection of different Bonding marks appears. Women’s marks appear on their left hands, while men receive a small mark on their chest over their heart.
“Settle down, everyone,” Professor Becca declares as an excited hum travels through the crowd.
“Now, after The Ceremony, you’ll need to go through what we call a Bonding phase.
” Kellan, not so subtly, puts an arm over the back of my chair, earning what sounds like a growl from Anders.
“The Bond needs time to strengthen before your magic will appear.”
An unsettling feeling twists in my stomach as I contemplate the implications that Anders and I are already experiencing magic, though I still have no idea what mine is.
My tablet chimes as a variety of articles and scans populate my screen. As I look around, others are now browsing their screens as well. I glance back at the folder, tapping it open to find scans from ancient tomes I’ve never heard of.
One document in particular catches my eye: “The Veil and The Bonds.” It dates back to an era long before our current unified calendar.
Is this what we need? Do our professors have access that we don’t?
I can’t deny it’s a possibility. I reluctantly set my tablet down, some deep part of me stirring to life. I quickly message Anders.
Raea Tierson: We need to discuss our project later.
I hear his chuckle just as the message pops up.
Anders Rykerson: Forgiven already?
Raea Tierson: You’re insufferable.
“While the Lumos Bond undoubtedly holds strength, there’s some folklore out there suggesting an even deeper Bond that exists on an entirely different plane.
” She pauses her pacing to lean against the table and take a moment to look around the room.
When she speaks again, her voice is filled with awe and admiration: “It’s said that when this mating Bond snapped into place, it knitted their hearts, their souls, and their minds together.
These documents also state that if your mate were sick or hurt, you’d be able to feel it and know exactly what they needed.
“One such ancient text claims that once the Bond is established after passing some sort of test, a different magical marking would appear, becoming a permanent fixture along their spine, symbolizing a union with eternity in mind, binding them not just for this life, but in every life to follow.”
My body hums with energy as a cold sweat coats my skin. With a shaky hand, I lift my tablet again, scanning the folder frantically, looking for anything to help us while ignoring the idea of a deeper Bond.
Because that’s what we need.
She continues to talk, discussing the differences between the Bonds, but my erratic heartbeat fills my head with a whooshing noise, drowning out the world around me. As much as I’d love to deny its existence, what if she’s right?
What if there is a deeper Bond?
And if so, why don’t we see them anymore?