Page 163 of To Touch A Silent Fury

“You did it, Tani. You gave me my Fate.” He shook his head, completely dumbfounded. “A twinblood. I’ve never heard of it, and yet if Vellintris knew of it, perhaps there is some record.”

I smiled, and as I did, Hanin flapped his wings in the water hard. I shielded my face as the splash hit both me and Theollan. He laughed, and I answered it with a smaller laugh.

“You would help me?” I swiped the water from my neck. “After the enemies I made today, it is probably better for you to keep your name as clear of mine as possible.”

Theollan inclined his head to me with respect. “My Fate was bonded to you, and now I am whole. My name will be threaded to yours regardless when people recall that. Besides,” he said, his smirk widening, “you have a bonded sapphire dragon and the blood of both the Sword and the Shield flowing through you. You can manipulate the will of any man through touch, and you’re married to the Scourge of Courvin, complete with his own ruby dragon and most of the armies of the Triad at his command.” At Lang’s mention, my stomach coiled again, as the guilt and shame of using him rose up once more. But Theollan only levelled me with a serious expression. “That is not someone I would bet against.”

I grimaced, even as my heart pounded. “Let us hope the rest of the world shares your fear.”

Theollan stood, brushing the dirt off his hands and knees, before helping me up. His trust and loyalty sang through our touch. I knew he would help me in whatever way he could. Even as I prepared to fly across the lands with a husband who hated me, I hadn’t lost everything.

The Brother of Eavenfold shrugged, uncharacteristically. “Respectfully, Your Grace, you could always make them.”

I smiled despite it all as an almighty roar sounded from above. The shadow of Chaethor passed overhead, her red wings peeling through the wispy clouds. A new Fate awaited me, and I could only hope I was strong enough to meet it.