Page 130 of A Bond so Fierce and Fragile

“Are… are you sure?”

Frelina didn’t know what to say. She’d finally understood earlier today why he had to drown out the memories, why he relied on that flask like a babe did on its mother.

He couldn’t live without the distraction.

Raine didn’t respond.

A low wail, almost a humming sound of pain, echoed around them as he began rocking back and forth.

“Raine!” Frelina shook his shoulders, but he didn’t react. “Raine! You’re scaring me!”

No response, but that soul-crushing sound continued to build within the space, bouncing off the walls, becoming louder and louder.

The mirrors responded to it, and Frelina watched with wide eyes as their reflections began warping, then cracking, and she realized what was happening.

The Fae before her was breaking.

She’d heard it could happen—had seen up close how near her father had been to losing his mind, how he’d clung to that last bit of sanity only because of Frelina, had seen in Merrick’s memories how her sister had turned to rage and guilt to keep herself from being pulled under.

Raine, on the other hand… He’d learned to cope only with alcohol.

If that was gone?

The wailing continued, and her heart, which had already been racing, slammed against her ribs now.

She needed to do something.

Raine rocked into her with every movement forward, and she could feel him slipping.

His mind was wide open when she reached out for it, but she quickly had her own snap back.

It was dark. Empty. Terrifying.

It felt as if her own might fall right down with it, especially now, especially after her devastating interaction with the gods.

You’re going to die alone.

It was Raine’s voice now, although she knew it wasn’t truly his.

It was her mind responding to his anguish, like it always did when other people’s memories invaded it.

Raine shook so much under her hands as she held on to his shoulders that she began trembling as well.

You’re going to die alone.

You’re going to die alone.

Raine’s voice continued booming within her despite her attempt to block him, and she realized he was losing control over his magic.

She also realized he had been holding back with her before.

He’d allowed her to push into his mind because this force… whatever was attacking her now… it was all-consuming—so much more powerful than she’d ever experienced.

Frelina gasped when she understood that it wasn’t her mind tricking her.

ItwasRaine’s voice, but… he wasn’t talking to her.

“No,” she mumbled. “None of us is dying alone.”