Page 112 of Ashes to Ashes

“Finished with what?”

“With marking us.”

Silver light erupts from our joined hands—not painful but overwhelming, like lightning made of captured starlight. The illumination spreads up our arms in intricate patterns, weaving through skin and settling into bone with weight that speaks of permanence.

When it fades, thin silver lines trace across both our wrists like delicate jewelry. They pulse with gentle light matching our synchronized heartbeats, creating a visible connection that anyone with magical sight could detect.

Fae bond marks. Unmistakable. Undeniable. Political dynamite waiting to explode.

“What did we just do?”

“Created a connection that will make both our courts very unhappy.” His thumb traces the mark on my wrist with devastating gentleness, the simple touch sending electricity racing through my entire nervous system. “But also something I have wanted since the moment I saw you.”

The admission hangs between us raw and dangerous, weighted with implications that could reshape everything.

I should pull away. Should put distance between us before this spirals beyond control.

Instead, I lean closer, drawn by something stronger than tactical wisdom.

“Kieran...”

“Say my name again. Like that. Like you mean it.”

“Kieran.”

His mouth crashes into mine like he’s claiming territory in a war that’s already been decided.

Not gentle. Not careful. Pure possession wrapped in winter fire and the taste of secrets that could destroy kingdoms. His hands fist in my hair, angling my head exactly where he wants it, and I let him because every cell in my body is screamingmineright back at him.

I bite his lower lip hard enough to draw blood, tasting copper and something darker—power and danger and promises that should terrify me.

He groans against my mouth, the sound vibrating through my chest like a struck bell, and suddenly I’m pressed against thewall with his body caging me in. The silver marks on our wrists flare with each desperate kiss, magic responding to the friction between us like it’s been waiting for this moment since creation began.

“Fuck,” he breathes against my throat, teeth scraping skin that’s never felt this sensitive before. “You taste like?—”

“Don’t.” I drag his mouth back to mine before he can finish that thought, before either of us can think at all beyond the fire building between us.

When we finally break apart, both breathing like we’ve been drowning, the air crackles with power that makes my thorns writhe beneath my skin in response.

“This changes everything.”

“Good. I was getting tired of pretending I didn’t want you.”

Despite everything—the attack, the blood, the bonds we’ve forged—laughter bubbles up from my chest. “You’re insane.”

“Probably. But I am your particular brand of insane now, troublesome thing.”

The wordyoursends molten honey pouring through my veins. Possessive. Claiming. Dangerous in ways that should send me running.

Relief crashes over me like a breaking wave. He’s alive. He’s safe. Whatever we’ve created feels right in ways I can’t explain or justify.

Before I can stop myself, gratitude spills from my lips:

“Thank you.”

Magic detonates between us—not gentle silver but something darker, more binding. Golden threads materialize around my wrist, settling into my bones with weight that steals my breath and makes my soul ring like a struck bell.

Kieran goes absolutely still, horror dawning in his ice-blue eyes as he stares at the golden chain now binding us together.