Malin – Negotiations #4
As she walked, her analytical nature compelled her to make sense of the details she could not understand.
The timing of the ambush felt entirely too convenient.
Her mind raced back to the opening seconds of the attack.
The first mag-blast had missed the Archon.
Darik’s shadows had wrapped protectively around the frail man, pulling him out of harm’s way.
Could a fatal shot directly to the chest pierce through defensive shadow magic?
Frustration gnawed at her. She was still so inexperienced with magic, especially a dark power she did not understand at all. Perhaps she had missed a stray shot in the blinding chaos, but her instincts told her otherwise.
Was this calculated violence the real reason Darik had ordered her to stay in her seat? Nothing about the attack added up, leaving her drowning in terrifying questions.
Had Darik actually orchestrated the assassination of his own leader? She simply did not have enough information to make that accusation.
The moment Will wrapped his arms around her, a deep, grounding peace settled over her.
With her heavy amulet resting against her chest, her magic was entirely suppressed.
The realization hit her like a soothing tonic.
It washed away her terrifying fear that their draw to one another was nothing more than a magical compulsion.
Without her powers to influence her, her analytical mind finally surrendered to the undeniable truth: her heart was her own, and her feelings for him were entirely real.
Yet, that comforting truth did not grant him a pardon for his controlling behavior.
She absolutely refused to tolerate his baseless jealousy or his attempts to dictate her actions.
Still, knowing her feelings were genuine made her hope with a fierce urgency that he could resolve his internal struggles before those flaws tore them apart.
Reluctantly stepping out of the warmth of his arms, the brutal reality of the blood-soaked tent rushed back in.
She immediately scanned the chaotic room, her primary focus shifting entirely to finding Aeladar.
“I’ve got to find my father,” she said, pulling away from his embrace.
She found Aeladar standing in a curtained alcove, a thin line of sweat glistening on his brow.
She practically collapsed into his arms. She needed to feel his warmth to ground herself, and he gladly shared it, wordlessly enveloping her in his fierce strength.
He pressed a soft kiss to her forehead before gently pulling back.
“Are you well?” he asked, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
“My magic’s nearly spent,” Malin whispered. “I could feel my siphon power pulling, but I’m safe. Bratha, my aunt, gave me an amulet to contain my powers. With all these dangers, I know it is a terrible idea to be without my magic, but I need to wear it for a while.”
“Rest easy. You have worked miracles tonight. It sounds like we will still forge an agreement. We desperately need that device. I will bend what I can, but Ana gave strict guidance on what I can approve. If we are forced to take the device by force, Darik would be a highly difficult combatant, but I am confident the six of us could overwhelm him. That is the absolute last option, but it is a path I would gladly take if it saves her. Once we secure it, we head back to the vanguard, then walk to the larger army post to access the portaller.”
“Jacien can get me home sooner, but I will feel much better ensuring you four make it to your vanguard safely first. With this attack, there are entirely too many unknowns,” Malin said.
“As you wish. The connection with your mother through my bond remains stable. It will not take us long to reach the waypoint.” His expression softened.
“For now, you are not needed for this political theater. You never slept, and you need rest now more than ever. We have been granted an antechamber. Use it. It is out of the way and will afford you some much-needed privacy.”
He placed a heavy, reassuring hand on her arm, his gaze drifting across the tent.
“I have noticed Will struggling. I require no details, but I do think you two have much to discuss. Just know that he needs you right now.” A wry smile touched Aeladar’s lips.
“And considering the absolute daggers that man is staring through their fearless leader, please get Will out of here before we have a diplomatic incident on our hands.”
Malin nodded, pressing her hand to her heart in a traditional Elven parting. She turned to navigate the crowded room, with Will catching up to her immediately. His arms wrapped firmly around her, and her body naturally turned into his waiting embrace.
“Aeladar says I’m not needed for the rest of this. I think now’s as good a time as any to talk. He suggested I rest in the antechamber. Want to join me?” she asked with a sly smile.
Will’s lips thinned, but he followed without question.
Why didn’t he seem happier to be with her?
As they walked, the weight of what needed to be said hung heavily in her chest. Their soul-bond flickered like a candle in the wind, fragile with their growing separation. Will needed to understand how tenuous their bond was so they could work on sealing it.
She placed a hand on her stomach. So that they would have a future for their child.