Page 5

The orb shot towards Renya and flew to the spot at the base of her skull where it had been pulled out by the Shadow Queen.

Cressida’s screams echoed throughout the entire jungle as a piercing white light blinded them all and Renya collapsed.

Chapter Three

Grayden bolted upright, his heart thundering against his ribs. Sweat plastered his tunic to his skin as he gasped for air, the echoes of his dream still pulsing behind his eyes. Renya. He'd seen her, felt her presence as tangibly as the twisted sheets beneath his fingers.

The darkness of his chambers pressed in around him, but in his mind's eye, he saw flashes of vibrant green—a jungle, dense and sweltering. Renya's golden hair, a beacon amidst the foliage. A daunting cave mouth, ominous and ancient. And there, like a poison seeping into the vision, the Shadow Queen's cruel smile.

Then came the light—blinding, searing, a nova of pure energy that sent tremors through Grayden's body even now. What was happening? How could a dream feel so visceral, so real? And why could he still sense Renya, a phantom warmth against his skin, a presence nestled somewhere beneath his breastbone?

His chest constricted, a surge of emotion squeezing his lungs. The need for Renya crashed over him like a tidal wave, more intense than anything he'd ever experienced. It was as if she'd become essential to his very existence, her absence leaving him gasping like a man deprived of air.

Grayden stumbled from his bed, legs shaky, and fumbled for the wardrobe. His fingers, usually so sure and steady, trembled as he pulled on the first dry tunic he touched. Exhaustion weighed on him like lead, but it didn't matter. Nothing mattered except Renya.

As he moved, realization struck him with the force of a physical blow. The inexplicable connection, the overwhelming need—it could mean only one thing. Somehow, against all odds, he had become fate-bound to Renya.

Joy surged through him, a burst of warmth amidst the panic and confusion. Fated. He was fate-bound to the woman he loved. It was a miracle he'd never dared to hope for, a gift he'd thought forever beyond his reach.

But even as elation flooded his veins, fear gripped his heart. He reached out with his mind, searching for that place where Renya's presence had nestled moments before. Nothing. The connection had vanished, leaving only an aching void.

Grayden threw open his chamber door, his boots slapping against the cold stone as he raced down the hallway. He needed to find Tumwalt, to organize a rescue. Every second felt like an eternity, every breath without Renya a knife in his chest.

“Grayden!” Selenia's voice cut through his panic. He skidded to a halt, nearly colliding with his sister. She stood before him, a tray of food balanced precariously in her hands, concern etched across her features. “What's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost.”

“It's Renya,” he gasped, the words tumbling out in a rush. “She's back, Selenia. Here, in our world. And Cressida has her.”

Selenia's forehead wrinkled, disbelief clouding her eyes. “But...how? The portal—

“I don't know how,” Grayden interrupted, his voice tight with urgency. “But I can feel it. I can feel her.”

“Brother, you're not making sense. Your magic is gone, and Renya doesn't have any. How could you possibly—”

“We're fate-bound,” Grayden blurted out, the words hanging in the air between them.

Selenia's eyes widened, the tray in her hands wobbling dangerously. “Fate-bound? But that's...you're both well past the age. How is that even possible?”

“I don't know,” Grayden admitted, running a hand through his disheveled hair. “But it's happened. I saw her in a dream, Selenia. She's in danger. I have to find her.”

Understanding dawned in Selenia's eyes, quickly followed by determination. She set the tray down on a nearby table with a clatter. “Where is she? What did you see?”

“A jungle, near a cave. I think...I think she might be near the Tidal Kingdom. There have been rumors of another portal there.”

Selenia nodded, her mind already racing. “Jurel and Charly left hours ago with Phillippe, heading north. We could send a hawk—”

“No,” Grayden cut her off, already moving towards the stairs. “There's no time. I have to go now, alone.”

“Grayden, wait!” Selenia called, hurrying after him. “You can't just rush off unprepared. Let me help. I'll pack supplies for Renya, food for the journey.”

Grayden paused at the top of the stairs, gratitude mixing with his urgency. “Thank you,” he said softly. “I'll take Damion—Lightning needs rest. Can you meet me in the courtyard? And find Tumwalt, let him know what's happening.”

Selenia nodded, a small smile playing at her lips. “Of course. Go, get ready. I'll take care of everything here.”

As Grayden rushed down the stairs, Selenia's voice floated after him, tinged with wonder and joy. “Go get your mate, Brother.”

The word 'mate' sent a shiver down Grayden's spine. His mate. His Renya. Somehow, against all odds, the Fates had blessed him with this miraculous gift. And there was no force in any world that would keep him from her now.

Chapter Four