Chapter 13

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

D isappointment hung heavy over every step as the Compass Points trekked back through the tunnels to Osten house. They barely spoke, leaving Rose’s mind free to wander. Her magic was on edge as they inched their way around the ridge. Juliette was right—it still required all her remaining magic to fend them off, but Rose was more accustomed to the unpredictable wind currents on the return trip.

With all her energy spent, she hadn’t properly prepared for what lay between the portal and safety. After her first step up the stairs, it hit her—she was too late to empty her mind. The magic was quicker this time, as if it was more familiar with her weaknesses.

Alone again—but it was different. Underwater in her lake of power, Rose touched her fingers to the onyx stone she was sure now spider-webbed through the lakebed. She touched it, rubbed it, kicked it, stomped on it, screamed into the water. All of this, and still, nothing changed. It didn’t shake again. Nothing tried to break through. Luc’s voice never returned.

She couldn’t reach him beyond the veil.

This new, very present fear overtook her. She didn’t have to wonder where it came from—she’d thought of little else on their walk back. There was no escaping it. Rose let the fear wash over her, but she refused to freeze.

The black stone in her lake of power was a new kind of connection to Luc. Something had changed when they’d declared their love for each other in her workshop—she just wasn’t sure what.

Before the negativity of the day could crush her, she met it head-on. They were disappointed with the Lady of the Veil’s rapid arrival. Fine. Rose didn’t think they fully appreciated the fact that Carter was able to cross so quickly. They’d done something extraordinary.

One shortened attempt was not enough to dissuade her. It only gave her more questions for their research. More questions to ask Arie and Aurora when they arrived. Rose put one foot in front of the other as she climbed the stairs.

Finally—finally—she shut the door behind her. Her body sagged against it as Carter and Juliette stared at her. She took in large gulps of air and looked up at the two Compass Points.

“Are we going to talk about how there were veil cats? I thought you both said they were extinct,” Rose said as she pulled herself up from the floor. The walk back had somehow helped her organize her thoughts.

“I’m going to ask for some tea,” Juliette said as she led them down a hallway back to the Osten Point’s sitting room. Rose wasn’t surprised that the sun had set on the lake. The journey to the part of the cavern where the ritual was performed took longer than she had anticipated. It was astounding that Juliette did it so regularly.

Rose sat in one of the plush chairs and put her head in her hands. Carter sat in another seat much more cautiously, as if afraid he’d be asked to stand. “Everything okay, Carter?” Rose asked while Juliette asked her staff for tea.

“I’m glad we’re here, but it feels strange to be sitting in Osten house…unsupervised.”

Rose snorted.

“Did I miss something?” Juliette returned with a tray. It had a teapot, mugs, and scones. Rose hadn’t realized how hungry she was. She reached for the refreshment as soon as Juliette offered.

“We’re just glad we’re working on this together,” Rose replied, adding the berry jam to the scone and taking a large bite.

“Now, back to the veil cats,” Carter said after swallowing a bite of his own. “We discussed on the ride from Bury that some of the history about the Lady of the Veil didn’t make sense. I think we have further proof that our suspicions were correct.”

“The proof being a pack of veil cats who greeted and chased us as soon as we arrived?” Rose asked.

“Yes,” Carter said around another large bite. He must have been as hungry as Rose was. He reached immediately for another as he continued. “The stories about their extinction seem to have been exaggerated.”

That seemed like an understatement, but Rose kept going. “The woman that arrived, I assume, was the Lady of the Veil?” She felt sure of the answer already, but wanted Carter’s assessment.

Juliette’s brows raised. They hadn’t talked about this part on the walk back.

“I think it’s safe to assume,” Carter said. “But what did you feel at her approach?”

“You felt her magic as she arrived—even before the roots tried to hold us?” Rose asked. Her magic had been so potent, it had echoed in the realm they’d landed in. Rose was unsurprised the land had risen to her call and tried to trap them.

“I did,” Carter said. “It felt...big.” He scratched the back of his neck. “It felt aligned with the realm.”

“What does that mean?” Juliette asked.

“It’s interesting because there is a connection between Lord Arctos and Vesten land, but it’s subtle and only this specific spot on the continent… The Lady’s magic was too similar, too connected to the realm to mistake.”

“You sensed the connection as well?” Juliette turned to Rose.

“I had a feeling that the land would do her bidding—and it did. But I’m not as in tune with the realm as Carter seems to be.” Rose shook her head. “The magic that woman put out though—it was big. I agree with that.”

“So…you fled without speaking with her?” Juliette asked.

“You think we should have let the roots trap us?” Rose asked sarcastically. “The Lady of the Veil is known not to appreciate guests. We were intruders and were being treated as such.”

Carter shrugged and then turned to Rose. “Did you get to test the connection to Luc? I know I had to pull you back, but...anything?”

“Our connection has changed. It’s not the same as it was before he left. It’s almost like I have to reactivate it,” she said. Based on their experience, she didn’t want to think too hard about Luc’s arrival. How quickly had the land trapped him and Aterra in place? She shook her head—she had to believe he was fine.

“You were able to make your initial connection with him quickly when we were testing our magic together,” Juliette continued, ignoring Rose’s inner turmoil.

A blush heated Rose’s cheeks. “That was because his magic had so actively played with mine while we traveled. It made finding the source of the connection simple. Knowing how to let him in now is a little harder.” She scratched her head and then reached for another scone. They’d eaten almost everything Juliette had provided. Rose sighed, returning to the problem of the ruler beyond the veil. “Can we review what the Compass Points think they know about the Lady of the Veil again?”

Carter and Juliette shared a look. “As we indicated on the ride, the current information leaves much to be desired.” Carter licked his lips and continued. “The story takes place just before the Flood. So, the human villages on the continent faced natural disasters that led to destruction and, eventually, famine. It indicates the Lady of the Veil took a governor’s daughter. The woman was human before the fae’s creation but was said to have worked blood magic. No one is quite clear on why, but the village of Marcil seemed spared from the continent’s devastation due to some deal with the Lady of the Veil. It wasn’t a happy deal though. The villagers recorded that whatever happened caused the death of the veil cats—they were never seen again. The story of the Lady going mad and being the one to kill them came along with that.”

“Anything to add, Juliette?” Rose asked.

“No, that is the story as I know it.” She shrugged.

“Where does the story come from?” Rose asked.

Carter nodded. “The Suden hold the only texts that give some form of the history. From what I understand, many key magical farming techniques the Suden still use today are in villager journals from the time. I don’t know where the histories are, but I know from my duties in Sandrin that the Suden still use them.”

“It sounds like we need Aaron then,” Rose said.

Juliette raised her brows at the casual way Rose stated including the Suden Point’s brother.

“Does the Suden historian know what we are researching?” Juliette asked.

Rose scrunched her shoulders. “He knows more than he probably should.” She sighed. “But he needed to know the reality of Luc’s situation.” Rose stood. She didn’t regret what she’d told him. “I’ll stop by before going back to Norden house. I’ll tell him what we need and see what help he can offer.”

Aaron knew exactly what Rose was looking for. He said he’d bring what he could find to Norden house tomorrow. Her task complete, Rose cleared her head of thoughts about the Lady of the Veil on the walk home. She wanted the time alone to focus on her magic and its connection with Luc.

Something had always been unique about their bond. That was obvious. The first time they met, his otherworldly beauty had overtaken her in a way she had never experienced. She’d been equal parts excited and terrified that she’d angered the powerful earth fae, demanding to see the weapons master.

Even then, his magic called to her. As they traveled together, the feeling solidified. The way his magic opened to her and sought her in every situation. Their connection worked differently than with the other Compass Points. She may not have acknowledged it—but she knew it. It was disappointing that the connection didn’t rekindle when they were in the same realm, but she had learned something: Their unique connection had changed.

Something new was in its place. Luc was responsible for the onyx at the base of her lake of power—she knew it the same way she knew the sharp lines of his face—it was him. This stone was more cemented within her very being than the tunnel had been. It felt like a foundational part of her magic.

It felt more permanent.

Rose’s thoughts fixed on the last time they’d made love in her workshop before fighting Aterra. The worship from his mouth and his magic were seared into her skin. Their magic had spun together in a way she had never experienced—intertwining internally and externally, unable to get enough. There was a moment?—

Something had changed.

“You can’t be bound.” Juliette’s words echoed in her head. Juliette had said it so boldly, like she knew the word was at the center of a maze in Rose’s thoughts—a maze she couldn’t find the right path to complete.

Juliette wasn’t being harsh. She was being pragmatic. They couldn’t be. Everything that was known about bound partners was against them.

But what really was known about bound partners? The thought sprung free from a hidden place within her mind, where she kept the hope for hers and Luc’s future tucked away, ready to pluck out when she needed it most. Everything she knew about bound partners was from children’s fairy tales. A fae’s perfect match in magic and heart seemed beyond reasonable expectation.

Then again, another thought sprang from that well of hope inside her—when had she and Luc adhered to reasonable expectations? Rose was the Norden Point even though her magic was of two courts. Luc was a demigod, the most powerful Suden in generations, born of the literal god of earth. They weren’t normal.

Together, they seemed to make the impossible possible. Why not this, too?

She rubbed her chest again. The place that throbbed like a knock at the door—she wanted to let him in.

Rose had seen the black stone enough times to no longer doubt it. The stone was a part of her lake of magic now. Rose suspected access to Luc—the connection to his magic—was still there.

She just needed to learn how to let him in.

Her own magic danced beneath her skin at the challenge. It was a new evaluation of her magic’s favorite partner. If she figured it out, she was sure the connection would flare back to life. The strength he’d harnessed to go beyond the veil was exactly what she knew him capable of—exactly what her magic knew of the heart of him. He protected first and worried about himself second. Though the action aligned with what she knew, he’d broken her heart by leaving her.

No matter how good his reasons.

Her thoughts scattered as she entered Norden house.

“Welcome back,” Walter’s low voice greeted her on her path to the library.

“Hi,” she said, waving awkwardly. She winced, adding learning how to engage with the staff to her mental to-do list.

“Can we prepare a meal for you?” he asked.

“Thank you, but I’ve eaten.”

“At Osten house?” It wasn’t judgment in his tone but curiosity. She knew the difference from her few conversations with the Norden elders.

“Yes, we made progress on our goal today.”

He nodded. “I’m glad to hear it.” He coughed like he would say something else.

“What is it? You can ask,” she said. She’d much rather answer his genuine questions than deal with the hypocrisy of the elders.

“Nothing. Don’t worry about it. I’ll get out of your way.”

She stared after him for a moment, seeing if he’d turn around. When he didn’t, she entered the library. Hopefully, he’d warm to her in time. She ran her fingers along the ornate books that lined the shelves and lit a fire. The plush chair called to her. Before she could select a book, she was sinking into the cushions. With her legs tucked under her body, she sank into a quiet moment—a moment at the end of an exhausting day that she wanted to share with Luc.

She closed her eyes and dove into the heart of her power. It was so much easier to do when she was still like this. Whatever part of her was here felt like a physical thing. The wind kissed her skin as she landed in her usual spot on the edge of her lake. Peering into the bright blue waters, she still couldn’t see the onyx streaks from where she stood. Now she knew what to do to find them though. She dove into the water, swimming deeper until she reached the bottom.

Her hand stretched for the sand of the lakebed. She knew—like she knew the pine and cinnamon scent of Luc’s magic—the black stone would be beneath the sand. The sand shifted under the strength of her power, revealing what she knew to be there.

Her heart beat wildly in her chest as she reached for it.

It was cool and smooth as her fingers slid over it—as grounding and calming as the touch of Luc’s magic.

With their original connection, she’d had to dip her hand into its depths. His magic had required her consent—her desire—her need to use his.

Nothing had changed.

That wasn’t entirely true. If anything, since he’d left, she’d wanted him more. Her need for the grounding touch of his magic could be all-consuming. Maybe she just needed to tell him that.

Pushing the water from her mouth with her magic, she whispered, “Luc?”

She spoke the word softly, like a question—still unsure of herself. Her hands scratched through her hair in frustration. She felt like an idiot. Her brain and heart were not aligned. The rapid pounding in her chest as she whispered his name told her some desperate piece of her expected a response.

The memory of the final battle below the Lake of the Gods played through her mind. “Forgive me, Rose. I know you’ll come for me.” His magic had spoken to her then. She knew it. The words were spoken directly into her mind, even after Luc had gone beyond the veil—even after he’d left her.

Rose’s finger grazed the black stone again. There had to be a way to reach him through it.

“You know what this means, Rose. You only need to acknowledge it.” The words echoed through her very being. Through a connection even deeper than their hearts and their magic—a connection she had never opened herself enough to have—until him.

“Luc?” she whispered again, her voice steadier.

“ You know what you’re feeling. Trust yourself.” The words simultaneously surrounded and filled her as he spoke. The soft hum of his voice was everywhere and nowhere in the heart of her magic.

Rose wanted to scream. She was so close—so close to opening whatever this was. Her hands wrapped into fists as she beat on the stone base of her lake. She knew it was him—would know the silk and sin of his voice anywhere.

She wanted him here.

She wanted to tell him how angry she was with his choice.

She wanted to tell him she loved him anyway.

She wanted them to make the impossible possible.

Everything she was—every part of her magic and herself—longed to be bound to Luc. They would disagree, they would strengthen each other, and they would have an existence together that changed the continent.

More than the well of secret hope she kept was willing to admit it now.

The desire for it to be possible was a truth she buried from even herself—her brain’s practicality at war with her heart’s desire. Now, the words were on the tip of her tongue, begging to be loosed.

As with so much about her and Luc, she had to fight past what she knew to be true. She heard the arguments against them.

They were of different courts.

Bound fae were a fairytale—not reality.

She closed her eyes and shook her head. Those details didn’t hold weight against what she wanted, what she felt. She and Luc’s path wasn’t simple—but it would be infinitely more enjoyable if they were bound in it together.

She wanted them to be bound—desperately.

It wasn’t just want. The need for their connection was a physical thing. The strain in her chest where his magic should be made itself known. Each of these pieces added up to something Rose couldn’t deny. No matter how much her brain told her it couldn’t be.

Rose’s mouth formed the words. She tasted the truth of them on her tongue as they released.

“We’re bound.”

The words were her wish, her truth, and her desperate plea.

She heard his chuckle, that low, rumbling laugh, just for her. It danced along her skin and set her body aflame with want. Her finger skimmed the stone, and she felt its magic pulse, its rhythm the same as the pulse she felt in her chest.

“Finally,” she heard him whisper. Power flooded her, and she knew she got her wish.