جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 40

"To ensure it's healthy, of course. Soul bonds can be... complicated. Especially between such different beings. We'd hate for there to be any corruption or instability."There it was. The implication that something might be wrong with their bond."Our bond is perfectly stable," Cassian said coldly."I'm sure it is! But a professional assessment never hurts." Sister Helena's smile was persistent. "And if there are any minor issues, we could help correct them before they become serious.""Our bond doesn't need correction," Adrian said firmly."Of course not! I simply meant-""We understand what you meant."Cassian's voice was ice. "And we decline.Our bond is private. Not subject to church examination."Sister Helena's expression flickered-frustration barely concealed.Selene intervened smoothly. "Of course, Lord Cassian. Forgive our intrusion. We only wanted to help.""We don't need your help," Adrian said.After they left, Cassian turned to Adrian."They're trying to create doubt. 'Ex

"What cost?" Cassian's voice was wary."Once your bond completes at 100%, you'll be bound not just emotionally and magically, but narratively. Your stories become one story. Which means...""Which means?" Adrian prompted.Selene's smile turned almost pitying. "Which means if one of you is written out of existence by the author, both of you cease to exist. Your fates become completely intertwined. Live together or die together—in the most literal sense."She pushed the crystal toward them."So the question is: do you trust your love enough to risk absolute shared fate? Or do you stay at 99%, powerful but not complete, with the possibility of separation?"Through the bond, Adrian felt Cassian's turmoil.This was the choice. The real test.Complete the bond and risk everything.Or stay incomplete and stay safe."Why are you telling us this?" Adrian asked. "What's in it for you?"Selene's expression turned sincere—and for the first time, Adrian thought he saw real emotion."Because I'm ti

"They're with us," Ravencroft said. "As are half the nobles here. We're taking the kingdom back. Humans ruling humans. Demons back to their realm. And the corrupted prince dealt with appropriately."Adrian felt Cassian's rage through the bond, barely contained. Don't. It's a trap. They want you to attack.I know. But they're threatening you.We're stronger than this. Trust me.Aloud, Adrian said calmly, "Duke Ravencroft, you've just admitted to treason in front of two hundred witnesses. That's impressively stupid.""Witnesses who support me. Or who are too afraid to oppose me." Ravencroft gestured. Soldiers surrounded Adrian and Cassian. "Surrender peacefully. We'd prefer not to damage the Demon Lord. He's valuable alive.""Valuable how?" Cassian asked, voice dangerous."The church has rituals. Ways to extract demon power. Make it... usable for humans." Ravencroft's smile widened. "You'll live. As a battery."Through the bond, Adrian felt Cassian's horror. That was his worst fear—bein

"You're terrible at subtlety," Cassian said, but he was smiling."You're terrible at not being distracting." Adrian traced his fingers over Cassian's jaw. "How am I supposed to focus on politics when you exist?""Flatterer.""Truth-teller. The bond doesn't let me lie about how attractive I find you.""The bond also broadcasts how much you want to kiss me right now.""Then what are you waiting for?"Cassian kissed him against the wall—hungry and claiming and perfect. Adrian melted into it, hands fisting in Cassian's shirt."We have another meeting in ten minutes," Cassian murmured against his lips."I don't care.""Liar. You care deeply about proper planning.""I care more about this." Adrian pulled him back down.They kissed until someone cleared their throat nearby.Lyra stood there, looking amused. "You two are worse than romance novel protagonists. It's adorable and gross.""We're busy," Adrian said."You're making out in a public corridor. I can see you.""It's a private alcove."

Training had devolved into something that was definitely not training."You're not even trying," Cassian accused as Adrian dodged his shadow attack with ease."I'm trying not to get hit. That's trying.""You know what I mean. You're supposed to counter-attack.""I'm strategically defensive." Adrian ducked another shadow. "It's a valid approach.""It's you avoiding actually fighting me.""Because I don't want to hurt you!"Cassian stopped mid-attack. "You think you could hurt me?""I could try.""Please do. I'm curious."Adrian grinned. Challenge accepted.He channeled their bond-power, golden magic exploding outward. Cassian blocked it easily—then froze as Adrian's second spell hit from behind.Light-bindings wrapped around him, pinning his arms."Sneaky," Cassian said, impressed."Effective." Adrian approached, smug. "I win.""Do you?" Cassian's shadows dissolved the bindings instantly. "That was practice restraint. Want to see actual power?""Bring it, Demon Lord."What followed was