3. Bonds of Magic and Heart

3

Bonds of Magic and Heart

Merin

M erin sat by Chrissy's bedside, his eyes heavy with exhaustion, but he refused to rest. Not until he knew she was okay, not until he saw those big, brown eyes open and heard her voice, soft and sweet, telling him she was alright.

He'd lost track of how long he'd been sitting there, watching the steady rise and fall of her chest, the flutter of her eyelids as she dreamed. Minutes, hours, days… it all blended together in a haze of worry and fear.

The others had been in and out, checking on Chrissy, checking on him. Margareth with her gentle, knowing eyes and her soothing words. Adrian with his quiet strength and unwavering support. Benjamin with his soft smiles and his never-ending supply of tea and biscuits.

But it was Roman's presence that Merin felt the most, that lingered in the air like a warm, comforting embrace. Even when he wasn't in the room, Merin could feel him, could sense the steady thrum of his magic and the fierce, protective energy that radiated from his very soul.

As if summoned by Merin's thoughts, the door creaked open, and Roman slipped into the room, his footsteps soft and his eyes filled with concern.

"Hey," he said, his voice low and gentle. "How are you holding up?"

Merin sighed, scrubbing a hand over his face. "I'm fine," he said, the words automatic, reflexive. But even as he said them, he knew they weren't true. He was tired, and scared, and so goddamn angry he could barely think straight.

Roman raised an eyebrow, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "You know, for a seer, you're a terrible liar."

Merin snorted, shaking his head. "Yeah, well, maybe I'm just sick of everyone asking me how I'm doing. Like I'm some fragile little flower that needs coddling and protection."

The words came out harsher than he'd intended, and he winced, waiting for Roman to get angry, to tell him he was being unreasonable. But Roman just looked at him, his eyes soft and understanding.

"I know you're strong, Merin," Roman said, his voice firm but gentle. "I know you can handle anything that comes your way. But that doesn't mean you have to do it alone. That's what I'm here for. That's what we're all here for."

Merin felt something inside him crack, some hard, brittle shell that he'd built up around his heart. He slumped forward, burying his face in his hands, and let out a shuddering breath.

"I'm just so tired," he whispered, his voice muffled. "So tired of fighting, of losing, of never being enough."

Roman was beside him in an instant, kneeling on the floor and pulling Merin's hands away from his face. "Hey," he said, his voice fierce. "Look at me, Merin. You are enough. You have always been enough. And you will never, ever be alone in this fight. Not as long as I'm breathing."

Merin stared at him, his vision blurry with tears. "I don't deserve you," he said, his voice hoarse. "I don't deserve any of this."

Roman shook his head, a fierce, determined light in his eyes. "You deserve so much more than you give yourself credit for," he said, his voice rough with emotion. "And I'm here to remind you of that, every step of the way."

Merin's breath hitched, a soft, broken sound that tore at his own heart. He leaned forward, resting his forehead against Roman's, and let himself breathe in the scent of him, the warmth and strength and comfort that poured off him in waves.

They stayed like that for a long moment, just breathing each other in, letting the rest of the world fall away. And when Roman finally pulled back, his eyes were soft and filled with a tenderness that made Merin's heart skip a beat.

"Come on," he said, standing up and holding out his hand. "Let's get you home. Margareth said she'd call if Chrissy wakes up, and you need to rest."

Merin hesitated, glancing back at Chrissy's sleeping form. "I don't want to leave her," he said, his voice small.

Roman squeezed his hand, a gentle, reassuring pressure. "I know," he said. "But you're no good to her if you're dead on your feet. She needs you strong, Merin. She needs you at your best."

Merin sighed, knowing Roman was right. He stood up, his joints creaking and his head spinning with exhaustion. "Okay," he said, his voice rough. "Okay, let's go."

They walked in silence, side by side, through the quiet streets of Willowbrook. Merin's house was close to the town center, a small, cozy cottage with a bright red door and a wild, overgrown garden.

Adrian had been kind, had opened his home and his heart to Merin without hesitation when he first got into Willowbrook. But Merin had never been one to overstay his welcome, and as soon as he'd found a job and saved up enough money, he'd moved out on his own.

It was a tiny place, barely big enough for one person, let alone two. But Merin loved it, loved the way the sun streamed in through the windows in the morning, the way the floorboards creaked under his feet, the way the air smelled like lavender and sage.

He paused at the door, turning to face Roman with a small, hesitant smile. "Do you want to come in?" he asked, his voice soft.

Roman shook his head, a regretful smile on his face. "I should get back," he said. "The Queen will be expecting a report, and I need to check in with my contacts, see if they've heard anything about Riordan's whereabouts."

Merin nodded, trying to ignore the sinking feeling in his stomach. He knew Roman had duties, had responsibilities that went beyond just being there for him. But that didn't make it any easier to watch him walk away.

"I'll come by Willowbrook tomorrow," Roman said, as if sensing Merin's thoughts. "To check on you and Chrissy. And to see if there's any news."

Merin swallowed hard, a sudden lump in his throat. "Roman, wait," he said, his voice rough. "I'm sorry. For how I acted back at the manor. I know you're just trying to help, and I shouldn't have snapped at you like that."

Roman shook his head, a soft, understanding smile on his face. "You don't have to apologize," he said. "What you're feeling, what you're going through… it's valid, Merin. It's real. And I'm here for you, no matter what. No matter how hard it gets."

Merin felt a rush of gratitude, of warmth, so strong it nearly knocked him off his feet. He stepped forward, pulling Roman into a tight, fierce hug.

Roman's arms came up to wrap around him, holding him close, and Merin let himself sink into the embrace, let himself be held and comforted and understood.

When they finally pulled apart, they were both a little flushed, a little breathless. Roman cleared his throat, his eyes bright and his smile soft.

"Get some rest," he said, his voice gentle. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Merin nodded, a small, tired smile on his face. "Tomorrow," he echoed, his voice a promise.

He watched Roman walk away, his heart full and his mind quiet for the first time in days. And as he turned to go inside, to sink into his bed and let sleep claim him at last, he knew that no matter what the future held, no matter what darkness lay ahead, he wouldn't be facing it alone.

* * *

Merin found himself standing in the middle of a battlefield, the air thick with the coppery scent of blood and the cries of the wounded. He looked around, his heart pounding in his chest, trying to make sense of his surroundings.

The warriors around him were locked in a desperate, brutal fight, their swords and axes clashing in a deadly dance. They wore the furs and helmets of Vikings, their faces painted with fierce, intricate designs.

Merin knew he was dreaming, knew this was a vision, but it felt different from any he'd had before. The colors were too vivid, the smells too sharp, the sensations too real.

He took a step forward, his feet sinking into the mud and gore that covered the ground. The warriors seemed not to notice him, their eyes fixed on their enemies, their minds consumed by the heat of battle.

And then he saw her. A woman, running through the chaos, her long, dark hair streaming behind her like a banner. She wore a dress of deep blue, embroidered with intricate silver designs, and her face was pale and beautiful and filled with a fierce, unyielding determination.

She dodged and weaved through the fighting men, her movements graceful and fluid, almost dance-like. Merin watched, transfixed, as she made her way towards the edge of the battlefield, towards a small, wooded hill.

And then, just as she reached the base of the hill, the world seemed to shudder and shift. The air grew cold and heavy, and a sense of dread, of utter wrongness, filled Merin's heart.

He looked up, his eyes widening in horror as he saw it. A demon, huge and grotesque, tearing its way through the veil between worlds. Its skin was a sickly, mottled gray, its eyes a malevolent red, and its mouth was filled with razor-sharp teeth, dripping with a foul, black ichor.

The warriors saw it too, and a cry of terror went up from their ranks. They turned as one to face this new threat, their weapons raised, their faces grim and determined.

But Merin could see the fear in their eyes, could feel it in the trembling of their hands. They were brave, these warriors, but they were no match for the horror that had just entered their world.

The demon let out a roar that shook the very earth beneath their feet, and then it charged, its massive, clawed hands reaching out to rend and tear and destroy.

Merin watched, frozen in place, as the warriors met the demon's charge, their weapons clashing against its hide with a sickening, metallic clang.

And then, just as the battle reached its fever pitch, the woman on the hill turned. She looked directly at Merin, her eyes boring into his, and he felt a jolt of shock and recognition run through him.

She could see him. In this vision, in this moment that had happened long ago, she knew he was there.

Merin opened his mouth, tried to call out to her, to ask her what was happening, what it all meant. But before he could utter a word, the vision shattered

He found himself bolting upright in bed, his heart pounding and his skin slick with sweat.

He ran a shaky hand through his hair, trying to calm his racing thoughts. The dream had been so vivid, so real. And the woman… she had seen him. Recognized him.

But how was that possible? And what did it mean?

Merin glanced at the clock, groaning when he saw the early hour. He needed to get ready for work, needed to focus on the day ahead.

But as he dragged himself out of bed and into the shower, he couldn't shake the feeling that the vision was important. That it was trying to tell him something, something he needed to understand.

He arrived at Willow just as the morning rush was starting, the little diner already bustling with activity. Gem greeted him with a cheerful smile, ushering him back into the kitchen where Larry and Steve were already hard at work.

"Morning, Merin!" Larry called out, his face creased in a warm smile. "Glad you could join us. We've got a busy day ahead."

Merin nodded, grabbing an apron and tying it around his waist. "Morning, Larry. Steve. I'm ready to get started."

But even as he lost himself in the familiar rhythms of baking and cooking, Merin's mind kept drifting back to the vision. To the woman on the hill, and the demon that had torn its way into the world.

He knew he needed to talk to someone about it, needed to try and make sense of what he'd seen. But who?

Merin sighed, pushing the thoughts aside as he focused on the task at hand. The morning rush was in full swing, and he needed to be on his game.

He worked tirelessly and finally the morning rush at Willow was finally starting to die down, and Merin found himself with a moment to breathe. He leaned against the counter, stretching his arms above his head and feeling the satisfying pop of his spine.

The bell above the door jingled, and Merin looked up to see a familiar figure striding into the café. Roman, looking as handsome and put-together as ever, his dark hair perfectly tousled and his eyes warm with affection.

Merin felt his heart skip a beat, and he cursed himself silently. He knew Roman had feelings for him, knew that he was Roman's mate. His seer abilities had shown him that much, at least.

He also knew that he wasn't good enough for Roman. Roman deserved someone who wasn't broken, someone who didn't come with a truckload of baggage and a destiny that seemed to invite danger at every turn.

Still, when Roman made his way over to the counter and flashed that crooked, heart-stopping smile, Merin couldn't help but smile back.

"Hey, you," Roman said, his voice low and warm. "How's your day going?"

Merin shrugged, trying to look nonchalant. "Oh, you know. Same old, same old. Baking, cooking, serving. The usual."

Roman's smile widened, and he leaned in conspiratorially. "Well, I have it on good authority that you're the best baker in town. So I'd say your day is going pretty well, all things considered."

Merin snorted, shaking his head. "Flatterer. Dominic will probably take offense to that. And besides you're just saying that because you want free pastries."

Roman clutched his chest in mock offense. "I would never! I am a paying customer, I'll have you know."

Merin rolled his eyes, but he couldn't quite hide his smile. "Uh-huh. Sure you are."

Roman grinned, and then his expression turned more serious. "Actually, I was hoping we could talk. Maybe take a break together?"

Merin hesitated, glancing around the café. It was quiet now, with only a few customers lingering over their coffee and pastries.

"I guess I could take a few minutes," he said slowly. "Let me just check with Larry and Steve."

He made his way back into the kitchen, where Larry and Steve were cleaning up from the morning rush.

"Hey, guys," Merin said, trying to sound casual. "Would it be okay if I took a quick break? Roman's here, and he wants to chat."

Larry looked up, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Roman, huh? Well, far be it from us to stand in the way of young love."

Merin felt his cheeks heat, and he glared at Larry. "It's not like that," he muttered. "We're just friends."

Steve, who had been listening quietly, spoke up then. "Merin, you know we love you like a son. And we want you to be happy. If Roman makes you happy, then you should pursue that. Life's too short to let fear hold you back."

He pushed the thoughts aside, forcing a smile. "Thanks, guys. I appreciate it. I won't be long, I promise."

With that, he made his way back out into the café, where Roman was waiting at a table by the window.

Merin slid into the seat across from him, feeling suddenly nervous. "So," he said, trying to sound casual. "What did you want to talk about?"

Roman leaned back in his chair, his eyes warm and serious. "Honestly? I just wanted to check in on you. See how you're doing, after everything that's happened."

Merin sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I'm…coping," he said honestly. "It's been a lot to process, you know?"

Roman reached across the table, laying his hand over Merin's. "I know," he said softly. "And I want you to know that you're not alone in this. I'm here for you, Merin. Always."

Merin felt a warmth spread through him at the contact, at the sincerity in Roman's voice. "Thanks," he said, his own voice rough with emotion. "That…that means a lot."

Roman smiled, squeezing Merin's hand gently. "Anytime. Now, tell me. What have I missed while I've been gone? Any juicy gossip from the exciting world of baking?"

Merin laughed, feeling some of the tension drain from his shoulders. "Oh, you know. The usual. Gem accidentally set a batch of muffins on fire, and Larry had to chase a raccoon out of the dumpster behind the café."

Roman grinned, leaning forward eagerly. "A raccoon, huh? Tell me more."

And so Merin did, losing himself in the easy, familiar rhythm of their banter. He told Roman about the antics of his coworkers, about the eccentric regulars who came in every day like clockwork.

In return, Roman regaled him with tales from the fae realm, of the mischief and mayhem caused by Prince Rowan and his mate, Luca.

"And then," Roman said, barely able to contain his laughter, "Luca somehow managed to offend a whole delegation of pixies. I swear, I've never seen anyone run so fast in my life."

Merin chuckled, shaking his head. "I can only imagine. Poor Rowan, having to smooth things over with the pixie queen."

Roman's eyes sparkled with mirth. "Oh, he's used to it by now. I think he secretly enjoys the chaos Luca brings to the court."

They talked and laughed, the minutes slipping by like sand through an hourglass. For a little while, Merin allowed himself to forget about the darkness looming on the horizon, about the visions and the dangers that seemed to dog his every step.

For a little while, he let himself just be. Just Merin, sharing a moment with Roman, the man who made his heart race and his soul feel at peace.

But like all good things, the moment couldn't last forever. Roman's phone began to ring, the shrill sound cutting through the warm cocoon of their conversation.

Roman frowned, glancing at the screen. "It's Adrian," he said, his voice suddenly serious. "I better take this."

Merin nodded, trying to ignore the sinking feeling in his gut.

Roman stepped away from the table, his voice low and urgent as he spoke into the phone. Merin watched him, trying to read the expressions flitting across his face.

After a few minutes, Roman hung up, turning back to Merin with a small, hopeful smile. "Chrissy's awake," he said softly. "Adrian says she's been asking for you."

Merin felt a rush of relief, of joy, so strong it nearly took his breath away. Chrissy was okay. She was awake, and she wanted to see him.

He stood up quickly, nearly knocking over his chair in his haste. "I have to go, I have to see her."

Roman nodded, standing up as well. "Of course. I'll drive you."

Just then, Larry emerged from the kitchen, wiping his hands on his apron. "Everything okay, boys?" he asked, his brow furrowed in concern.

Merin turned to him, a wide, genuine smile splitting his face. "Chrissy's awake," he said, his voice filled with wonder. "She's asking for me."

Larry's face softened, and he reached out to pull Merin into a tight hug. "That's wonderful news, son. You go to her. Take the rest of the day off, and don't you worry about a thing here."

Merin hugged him back, feeling a lump form in his throat. "Thanks, Larry."

Larry pulled back. "Don't mention it. Now, you get going. And take some of those blueberry muffins with you. I have a feeling Chrissy might be hungry."

Merin laughed, feeling lighter than he had in days. "Will do. Thanks again, Larry."

With that, he and Roman made their way out of the diner and to Roman's sleek, black car. The drive to Adrian's manor seemed to take forever, and no time at all.

Merin's knee bounced with nervous energy, his mind racing with a thousand questions, a thousand hopes and fears.

Roman's presence was a steady, calming force. He reached over, laying a hand on Merin's knee, stilling its restless movement.

"It's going to be okay," he said softly, his eyes never leaving the road. "Chrissy's strong, and she has all of us looking out for her."

Merin nodded, swallowing hard. "I know," he said, his voice rough. "I just…I need to see her. Need to know she's really alright."

Roman squeezed his knee gently. "I understand. And you will. We're almost there."

True to his word, a few minutes later they were pulling up to the grand, imposing gates of Adrian's manor. Merin was out of the car before it had fully stopped, his feet carrying him up the drive and to the front door.

Benjamin opened it before he could even knock, his face split in a wide, relieved smile. "Merin, Roman. Come in, come in. Chrissy's been asking for you non-stop."

Merin felt his heart swell with affection for the little girl who had come to mean so much to him. "How is she?" he asked, his voice breathless. "Is she…is she okay?"

Benjamin's smile softened. "She's doing well, all things considered. A little shaken up, a little confused. But she's strong kid, Merin."

He led them through the winding halls of the manor, up the grand staircase and to the guest wing. As they approached the room where Chrissy was staying, Merin could hear the sound of laughter, of a child's high, clear voice.

Chrissy was laughing. After everything she'd been through, everything she'd seen, she could still laugh.

Benjamin knocked softly on the door, pushing it open to reveal a sight that made Merin's breath catch in his throat.

Chrissy was sitting up in bed, her dark hair tumbling around her shoulders and her face alight with joy. And curled up next to her, purring like a motor, was Jimmy.

The ancient, talking cat looked up as they entered, his green eyes narrowed in feigned annoyance. "Well, well. Look who finally decided to show up."

Merin huffed out a laugh, feeling a rush of affection for the cranky old feline. "Hello to you too, Jimmy. I see you're making yourself at home."

Jimmy sniffed, stretching languidly. "Someone has to keep an eye on the girl. And I suppose I could do worse for company."

Chrissy giggled, scratching Jimmy behind the ears. "He's been telling me stories," she said, her voice filled with wonder. "About the fae realm, and magic, and all sorts of amazing things."

Merin felt his heart melt, and he made his way over to the bed, sitting down gently on the edge. "Has he now? Well, I hope he hasn't been filling your head with too many wild tales."

Jimmy shot him a baleful look. "I'll have you know, every word I've said is the absolute truth. I am a cat of honor."

Merin held up his hands in mock surrender. "Of course, of course. How silly of me to doubt you."

Chrissy giggled again, the sound like music to Merin's ears. Then, her face turned serious, and she reached out to take Merin's hand.

Merin smiled down at her, his heart swelling with affection. "Chrissy, there's someone I'd like you to meet." He gestured to Roman, who had been standing quietly by the door, his eyes warm and his smile gentle. "This is Roman. He's a very dear friend of mine, and he's been helping me try to figure out what's going on."

Chrissy looked up at Roman, her dark eyes wide and curious. Then, to Merin's surprise, her face lit up with a smile. "You're half-fae," she said, her voice filled with wonder. "And half-bear shifter."

Roman blinked, his jaw dropping slightly. "I…how did you know that?"

Merin felt a jolt of shock run through him. Even he, with all his seer abilities, couldn't sense the specifics of a person's heritage at first glance. It had taken him time, and a deep connection to Roman, to understand the nuances of his aura.

"Chrissy," Merin said slowly, his mind racing. "How…how could you tell what Roman is?"

Chrissy frowned, her small face scrunching up in concentration. "I don't know," she admitted. "I just…I looked at him, and I could see it. Like, deep down in his soul. I could see the magic of the fae, and the strength of the bear."

Merin exchanged a glance with Roman, seeing his own astonishment reflected in those dark, expressive eyes. This was…unprecedented. Unheard of.

"That's a very special gift, Chrissy," Roman said, his voice soft and a little awed. "To be able to see into someone's soul like that."

Chrissy shrugged, looking suddenly shy. "I guess so. I never really thought about it before."

Merin felt a flicker of unease, a sense of something clicking into place. Chrissy's abilities, her untapped potential…it was beyond anything he'd ever encountered. Beyond anything he'd ever heard of.

And suddenly, with a sinking feeling in his gut, he understood. Understood why Riordan had targeted Chrissy's family, why he'd been so desperate to get his hands on the little girl.

It was her magic. Her raw, untamed power, the likes of which the world had never seen.

And Riordan, with his twisted, evil mind…he wanted that power for himself.

Merin looked at Roman, seeing the same grim realization in his eyes. They were thinking the same thing, he knew. The same terrible, frightening truth.

Chrissy was in more danger than they'd ever imagined. And they had to keep her safe, had to protect her from Riordan's clutches, no matter what.

"Chrissy," Merin said, his voice low and serious. "I know this is all a lot to take in. And I know you're scared, and confused, and missing your parents more than anything."

Chrissy's lower lip trembled, and she nodded, her eyes filling with tears.

Merin reached out, taking her small hand in his. "But I promise you, sweetheart. I promise that you are safe here, with us. We are going to take care of you, and we are going to do everything in our power to make sure that the man who hurt your family can never hurt you."

Chrissy sniffled, wiping at her eyes with her free hand. "You…you mean I can stay here? With you, and Roman, and everyone else?"

Merin smiled, feeling a lump form in his throat. "Of course you can. For as long as you need, for as long as you want. This is your home now, Chrissy. And we are your family."

Chrissy's face crumpled, and she lunged forward, wrapping her arms around Merin's neck in a tight, desperate hug. Merin held her close, feeling the warmth of her tears soaking into his shirt.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice muffled against his chest. "Thank you, Merin."

Merin closed his eyes, feeling a fierce, protective love welling up inside him. This little girl, with her big heart and her incredible gifts…she was his to protect now. His to cherish, and guide, and love.

And he would do it with every ounce of strength and courage he possessed.

Roman cleared his throat softly, and Merin looked up, meeting his gaze over the top of Chrissy's head.

"I was thinking," Roman said, his voice gentle. "Perhaps I could go with Christian to retrieve Chrissy's belongings from Creekgaurd. That way, Merin can stay here with her, help her get settled in."

Merin felt a rush of gratitude, of affection, for the man standing before him. Roman, with his kind heart and his unwavering loyalty.

"That would be wonderful," he said, his voice rough with emotion. "Thank you, Roman."

Roman smiled, his eyes soft and warm. "Anything for you," he said quietly. "Anything for Chrissy."

Merin's heart stuttered in his chest, and he looked away, feeling a blush stain his cheeks. He knew Roman cared for him, knew there was a connection between them that went beyond friendship.

But he also knew that he wasn't worthy of that care, that affection. He was too broken, too damaged, to ever be what Roman deserved.

And yet…and yet.

There was a part of him, small and secret and hopeful, that longed for Roman's touch. That ached for the comfort of his arms, the warmth of his smile.

A part of him that whispered, in the darkest, quietest corners of his mind…perhaps he could be worthy. Perhaps, with Roman by his side, he could learn to love himself again.

To believe that he deserved happiness, and joy, and a future filled with light.

Merin shook his head, pushing the thoughts away. Now was not the time for such selfish desires. Now was the time to focus on Chrissy, on keeping her safe and helping her heal.

Everything else…everything else could wait.

He looked down at the little girl in his arms, feeling a fierce, protective love welling up inside him. "Chrissy," he said softly, "are you hungry? Benjamin's dads sent over some food for you, if you're feeling up to eating."

Chrissy pulled back, her face brightening at the mention of food. "They did? That's so nice of them!"

Merin grinned, tapping her on the nose. "It is indeed. And let me tell you, Larry and Steve make the best blueberry muffins in all of Willow Brook. You're in for a treat."

Chrissy giggled, her eyes sparkling. "I love blueberry muffins!"

"Then you're in luck, little lady," Roman said, winking at her. "Because I happen to know that Larry snuck an extra batch into the basket, just for you."

Chrissy clapped her hands, bouncing a little on the bed. "Can we eat them now? Please?"

Merin laughed, feeling a warmth spread through his chest. In the midst of all this darkness, all this fear…Chrissy's joy, her innocence, was a balm to his battered soul.