Page 10 of A Bond so Fierce and Fragile

Merrick would have stiffened at the slow footsteps sounding behind him if he hadn’t smelled the stench of alcohol that constantly whirled around Raine.

“The drinking helps.” Raine waved a flask his way as he leaned against the railing beside him. “You’ll see.”

“No,” Merrick mumbled. “I need a clear head to find her.”

Raine nodded, his eyes shifted out across the dark sea. “The human—Amalise—is making some food. It didn’t smell too good, but it’ll be hot.”

Food…

As if he could eat anything when Elessia…

“You need strength, too, Merrick. I’ve heard those whispers all day—you’ll be drained soon.” Raine moved so he faced him. “Remember what happens…”

Fighting not to roll his eyes or give in to the urge to slam his fist into Raine’s face to relieve some of the tension coiling his muscles, Merrick thought about the last time his energy ran out.

It’d been after he was forced to torture her.

The worst fucking day of his life.

Hearing her ribs break…

He ripped another chunk from the railing and threw it into the sea.

He’d nearly died that night.

Would have happily gone if it hadn’t been for Elessia and what he knew she’d still have to face.

Not just with the king but the rebels… and the fucking Oakgards’ Fae.

He’d been drained before, of course.

But it had been centuries before that night.

He’d learned quickly that if his magic drained him, it wasn’t like it was for other Fae, where they just couldn’t access their gifts.

Of course it fucking wasn’t.

Merrick’s gift—those damned souls whispering to him—tried to claim him and take control overhimwhenever he wasn’t strong enough to resist them. Tried to pull him over to their side and tried to rip that thread that separated their worlds apart, so they could come and go as they liked.

He wasn’t certain what would actually happen if he died.

Perhaps they’d go with him.

Or they’d run free.

Not that he’d care, if Elessia…

Merrick shook his head.

She was alive, and he’d ensure she stayed that way.

“Fine.” Merrick glared at Raine, responding to his earlier suggestion. “I’ll eat. Then we need to find her.”

“Do you feel… Is she…” Raine winced.

“She’s alive,” Merrick snapped.

She was. That he was certain of.