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“Heal, as in free dormant magic?”

“That is what I’m hoping. But to drink from the Well can prove a risk.”

“Of course it does.” Adira smiled as though exhausted. “By risk, what do you mean?”

“Sometimes the healing is aggressive and painful. Other times the solution to the trouble might be another impossible trouble. There is always a consequence to using magic, Adira.” I paused. “I used the Well to find answers for my parents.”

Her eyes went wide. “And what were the consequences?”

“It seems I can wake them through blood and pain and battle.” I scoffed with a bit of venom. “The answer made little sense, so I took it as the Well telling me it is unlikely to restore them.”

Adira was silent for a drawn pause. “One step at a time, Thief.”

I offered a befuddled look in return.

“One step,” she continued. “We fight this degeneration, find the crowns, then the next step will be to wake your parents. I don’t believe in impossible.”

I did not know what to say, so I kept my mouth tight and offered a stiff nod. There was more to my visit to the Well, but how did I admit that the consequence of using the waters only quickened the degeneration in my own blood?

“So.” She clapped her palms on the edge of the table. “I give some blood, the Well shows me how to remember my magic, and one problem is solved. I think it’s worth the risk.”

“I do not know how the Well of Urd will give up your magic,” I said. “Such powerful magic being dormant for so long, there is no telling what means the Well might use to restore it. It could harm you, or others, or it could be peaceful. It’s a risk. And if we’re connected somehow, it’s a risk for us both.”

“So you do believe we’re connected?”

I rubbed a palm over the back of my neck. “I’ve no other explanation for why I cannot shake my thoughts of you.”

Adira drew in a soft breath, eyes locked with mine. “This Well, it could kill me. And if it kills me, it might hurt you. Is that what you’re saying?”

My jaw pulsed. “I won’t let you die.”

“Why risk this if it could impact you?”

Because you awaken every piece of me. Gently, I eased my hands away from hers, rose from the table, and took a step back. “Like it or not, we may be the only ones who can help each other.”

“Why is that?”

“I am of the royal house, one of the few who can have unfettered access to the Sanctuary of Seers. You are the last surviving heir of House Ravenwood, and I have great need for immoral curse breakers.”

“Immoral?” She scoffed. “And you’re what? The epitome of morality?”

“Not at all, but it is because of my questionable morals that I am able to recognize the same in others.”

“You are a prince and could have the help of anyone if you were not so stubborn.”

“Oh, is that so?”

“Yes.” Her cheeks flushed with emotion. “You have the respect of many Kappi, you have a royal treasury, you are a rare Soturi. You see, I’ve learned a great deal about you in my time here.”

“From all your studying with my brother?”

Adira canted her head. “Hmm. You almost sound jealous, Kage Wilder.”

I scoffed, but did not refute it. Destin could demand Adira’s time all he wanted. He was the crown prince. I was the boil on his ass he was forced to accept since his father fell in love with my mother.

“He mentioned joining our houses today.” Adira did not meet my gaze, merely traced the marks on her fingers.

“In marriage?”