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It was bad enough experiencing that contradiction naturally. I can’t even imagine how it would feel to have that particularly shameful desire enhanced and amplified by the power of the Bond.

I shudder. “The problem is, the Bond isn’t betweenoneof them and their Fated Mate. Each triad are a package deal – you’re Bonded with one, you’re Bonded with all of them.”

I shiver, thinking about Aelon and his battle bothers.

“Iunia looks like a brute,” I muse, “but I actually think he’s the smartest of the three. Vinicus? Heisjust a brute.”

Sawoot laughs. “So, with those three you’ve got an insufferable, cocky bastard, an intellectual, and a brute. It sounds like the start of a joke – they all walk into a bar – only your life is the punchline.” She snorts. “Sounds like enough to keep things interesting, at least.”

Then, Sawoot leans in, a serious tone to her voice.

“Tasha. If you think there’s even a chance you’re Bonded to them – even a slim one – youhaveto take it. Just imagine – you’d live forthousandsof years. Isn’t that worth whatever side effects it comes with? It doesn’t change anything aboutyou. If you hate them, you don’t have to stick around. Take their precious Bond and get the hell out of there if you so choose!”

I swallow hard.

That seems almost cruel. Aurelians spend their entire lives searching for that one woman who can bear them their heirs. If they found their Fated Mate and sheleftthem…

Well, they might do something crazy. In fact, they might go Rogue – just to hunt her down for the promise of what she can give them.

Cruel? Wait a second! I can’t believe how soft I’m being. These aren’t some innocent romantics. Captain Aelon has stolen a fortune from me. I haven’t even brought up the subject of the Orbs with him. If he’s willing to steal my stuffandkeep me captive, then surely he deserves a little taste of his own medicine!

“Thousands of years…”

My voice trails off as the magnitude of what that offers sinks in.

To have my life extended? My youth be practically limitless? That’s too good to imagine.

It’s brutally unfair that the Gods gave us humans only a hundred years or so to experience creation, while Aurelians live ten or twenty times longer than that. To have all those centuries? Just imagine the things you could do during that time! The things you couldsee.

I’d never truly understood until now howtrappedwe humans are by time.

“So, Tasha,” Sawoot asks me, “why do you think you might be Bonded to them? It’s rare, you know – likeinsanelyrare. My friend hoped for it – prayed for it – but most Aurelians never find their Fated Mate.”

I shrug. “It’s… it’s just a feeling, but a strong one – do you know what I mean? It’s the way Aelon spoke about the Bond. He said an Aurelian can go mad if he thinks he’s Bonded to you – and he almost lost control.”

Sawoot scowls. Her pretty face turns ugly. “You think he’d have tried something on you? Like Kit and his triad tried with me?”

I shake my head. “No – not by force. I think if he lost control like that, he’d kill himself with the guilt. But hewasscared he might lose control. How…” I gulp. “How did your friend say it was? The one in the harem?”

Sawoot lightens up. “Howwhatwas?”

I cringe. “You know!Beingwith an Aurelian.”

I can’t believe I’m seriously considering doinganythingwith that arrogant bastard Aelon.

Confidence is attractive in a man – butoverconfidence that crosses the line into cocky arrogance is a step too far. Still – if it meant that the Bond could be activated, and I could reap what feels like eternal youth in return for it…

Well, isn’t that worth a little discomfort in the short term?

And I might even enjoy it.

I force that thought back to wherever it came from in my dark, depraved subconscious.

Sawoot’s eyes flash.

“Oh,yes! Youbetmy friend told me about it – in great detail. That’s why I’m eager for tomorrow night and my little, ahem,distraction. She said Aurelians are… Well, I think she must have exaggerated somewhat…”

“Why? What did she say?”