Chapter 23
Power
Alianna sat on the sofa in her apartment, looking out of her window towards the bustling streets below. When she came to leave Rionan’s suite earlier that day, he hadn’t hugged her, hadn’t kissed her goodbye. He certainly hadn’t asked if she would like to stay the night.
She understood why. Alianna knew, in her heart, that Rionan was a good male, and not one that would harm her. She knew that he was letting her decide if she wanted to spend further time around him (beyond the promise she had made), or not.
Alianna ran a hand through her hair and sighed heavily, walking to her fridge and grabbing some chocolate. Shoving it into her mouth, she considered everything she’d learnt about today.
She should have been terrified.
She should have been running a mile.
She should have been ringing the authorities and telling them that people from magical realms exist, and can just turn up on beaches whenever they want to.
But she knew that she didn’t really want to do any of those things. Especially the last option, which would see her getting locked in to some sort of institution.
Alianna couldn’t ignore the way her chest ached, and the way she felt a desperate need to go to Rionan.
Soul-bonded.
A bond so deep that Xanthians could only do it once. Crafted from magic which took hold during the throes of passion, if two individuals felt certain things for each other.
How did this Xanthian magic know what she felt, when she didn’t? It was undeniable that she felt something for him, and there was no point trying to tell herself she didn’t. But to put a word to it…
Thoughts for another day.
She contemplated what Rionan had said. She could feel his emotions, and he could feel hers. He said that it would be more intense for him because he was Xanthian.
Rionan must have been so incredibly pained for the two days they were apart. If he meant her any harm, surely, he could have tracked her. Found her somehow. Forced himself upon her, or pushed his way in to her life.
He hadn’t, though. He hadn’t contacted her. Hadn’t come to her. When he did, it was only to apologise.
Alianna found herself staring at her shoes and bag, which were next to the front door.
Fuck it.
She went to her bedroom and grabbed a larger bag, shoving in some nightwear, a change of clothes, toiletries and make-up for the morning. She was not getting caught out again.
She picked up her phone and texted Natasha that she was going to be staying with Max tonight. She cringed as she typed out ‘Max’, but hit the send button anyway. Two minutes later, her phone vibrated and lit up in her hand.
Tasha
22:04: No problem. Shadow’s asleep for the night. He says he misses you, but auntie tash buys him extra chews and takes him paddleboarding. He’s good company. Have fun. Xo
Alianna and Rionan had been on a level playing field in their relationship until today, when she’d had the rug pulled out from underneath her. Tonight, she was taking some of that power back.