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But at the same time, something deep in River’s soul insisted that no, this wasn’t crazy at all. She and Nikhail weren’t new acquaintances who had just started dating. They weren’t just learning about each other. They had known each other for four years and spent many hours together.

There was a reason she’d trusted Nikhail enough to come to him for help with her storm, a reason why she felt so safe around him.

The air fae’s gaze darkened, and gods, it called to her. It urged her to consider that maybe, the voice deep in her soul was right. Maybe one day, she and Nikhail could have everything Ryker and Brynleigh had. Maybe one day, he would be her peace the same way Brynleigh was Ryker’s.

Warmth spread through River as she allowed herself to imagine what life with the air fae would be like. She let herself dream of living with him every day, of waking in his arms, and of just being together.

Each new thought heated her from the inside out, and she lost track of time in her daydreams.

She wasn’t sure how much time had passed before the scent of copper pulled her out of her thoughts. Remembering where she was, she tore her eyes away from the air fae who was rapidly becoming the center of her world.

On the dais, Ryker and Brynleigh had pricked their fingers. Following tradition, they offered drops of their blood over a bowl of sand brought from the Obsidian Shore during the Great Migration.

Once the blood offering was complete, the couple joined hands. Ryker’s baritone voice filled the ballroom as he spoke in Ancient Fae, calling on the old gods to bless their soul bond. Even though River didn’t speak the old tongue, she understood the names coming from her brother’s mouth .

First, he called on Neasis, the god of water. Then, Agali, the goddess of air. Vania, the goddess of the earth, was next. Finally, Caris, the god of fire.

Ryker had barely finished speaking when a cool breeze blew past them. The curtains fluttered but remained shut, the hairs on River’s arms rose, and her skin pebbled.

Darkness descended on the space, dimming the lights.

“The gods are here,” someone murmured.

Chairs creaked, and people shifted.

The last bit of light vanished, as if night had swallowed the room.

That was a new development. River didn’t remember the same kind of darkness falling upon Icar and Myan’s bonding, but she supposed it made sense that Isvana, the goddess of the moon, would want a say in this, as well.

After all, Brynleigh was a doubly blessed vampire.

With both wings and shadows, she carried Isvana’s power with her every day.

“I can feel them,” came another hushed whisper.

“Quiet.”

The command was repeated until silence blanketed the space once more.

Only then did Ryker resume speaking. The air was thick with magic as he spoke to the old gods, asking them to bind his soul to his wife’s for eternity.

River’s brother and his wife were little more than dark blobs, but she didn’t have time to worry about being unable to see them. She was waging her own battle.

The more Ryker spoke, the more River’s magic whirled in her veins. It was as if the curse could sense Neasis’s presence. It wanted to be free, wanted to show the god of water exactly what it could do.

River couldn’t allow that to happen. Shutting her eyes, she forced herself to breathe in and out, just like Nikhail had taught her. Her hands tightened around the armrests, and she imagined they were his hands. Steadying her. Encouraging her.

With each inhale, she reinforced her dam. With each exhale, her control grew.

Maybe Nikhail was right. Maybe she wasn’t cursed. Maybe, with him nearby, she’d never have any more problems.

She could be normal .

The thought was so incredible, so empowering, that she wrangled her magic under control faster than ever before. She reopened her eyes, and moments later, Ryker finished speaking. The darkness remained, though.

River remembered the waiting from the last bonding ceremony she’d attended. Anyone could ask the gods to bless a fae bond, but that didn’t mean they’d accept. It was up to the deities to decide whether they would honor Ryker and Brynleigh’s request.

Their lore spoke of an ancient earth fae king who, in a fit of madness, had tried to force a bond between himself and a twenty-two-year-old human servant who had caught his eye.

Not only did the gods deny the request because her soul hadn’t yearned for the connection, but they struck down the fae king on the spot for attempting to misuse their bonds.

River didn’t think that would happen today. For one, anyone with eyes could see that Ryker and Brynleigh were madly, deeply in love. For another, they’d already survived a plethora of trials and tribulations. They deserved this soul bond more than anyone else she knew.

Time ticked on, and the entire room seemed to hold its breath as they waited for the gods’ reply. It felt like hours passed, although it was probably minutes, before another breeze brushed past and the shadows lifted.