Page 141 of Wicked Magik

“Go on,” I nodded. “What are her genetic origins?”

Sylvaine sighed and leaned back on the pillow. “She has frostwhisper fae genetics. They are a sub species within your Shadow territory. I haven’t seen one in my lifetime and to find out that she is half, well it is rather remarkable.”

I rubbed my chin and stared into the fire. “Never heard of them.”

"I'm not surprised. I had to excavate ancient texts just to find fragments about them. Nothing but whispers and legends remain—no living witnesses. The stories describe beings with hair like fresh snow, eyes the color of twilight violets, who could weave weather, snowflakes and clouds between their fingertips." He smiled, leaning forward. "And they formed extremely strong bonds with their mates..." He cocked his head to one side.

I swallowed heavily. “Mates?”

“Yes, as in more than one. The nameless gods had these creatures mate as triads. One female for two males. The females were, insatiable I hear,” he winked.

I shook my head. “How do you know about mates?”

Sylvaine's smile faded as his gaze fixed on the dancing flames. "This isn't new knowledge to me, Veylor. When I began studying genetic magik years ago, I discovered the ethereal strands that connect mates—invisible threads woven into the very essence of faes, goblins, and other beings."

I stared at him in shock.

“H-have you found yours? Your mate?”

Sylvaine licked his lips. “I did this search for you not just as a gift but hopefully for something in return.”

While I didn’t expect this to be a free request from him, I was intrigued on what he was wanting from me.

“Seeing that you are at full staff, I was hoping that you would be willing to hold… a ball.”

I raised my brows. “A ball?”

"Yes, a grand ball," he said, eyes brightening with hope. "Fill your halls with every eligible female in the territories. I lack the resources myself, but in your home..." His voice softened. "Even if she rejects me, I'll at least know she exists beyond my dreams—that somewhere in this vast world, my mate draws breath."

My fingers traced the outline of my lips as I rose to my feet. A ball... I owed him nothing concrete—he hadn't named his price outright. Yet the knowledge he'd given me hung between us like an unspoken debt.

The information he gave me about Vesper, while not needed, was enlightening. One day, she may want to know where she came from, why she is so beautiful.

I scratched the back of my neck.

“I will need to speak with Vesperr and Oryx to be sure they are comfortable. They are my triad as you say.” I nervously laughed at the word.

A triad.

That was why there were three of us.

No wonder she could take us both. Well, soon will be taking us both.

By the Shadows.

"Of course," Sylvaine rose to his feet with a flourish, bending at the waist in an elegant bow. "I would never dream of rushing such a delicate matter. The sacred bond of a triad deserves proper reverence." His lips curled into a knowing smile. "I truly am delighted for your good fortune. In fact, I've begun compiling a comprehensive text on mate bonds to share throughoutthe territories—it seems our people have been left woefully uninformed on such crucial matters."

I smiled. “That is a noble thing for you to do, I appreciate it.”

George flicked his tail and opened his eyes into slits. He watched Sylvaine carefully.

"I should retire for the night. Benedict already pointed me to suitable quarters." He paused at the doorway, his silhouette framed against the dim hallway light. "You've found something rare, Veylor. May fate be as kind to me someday."

Once he left I let out a sigh of relief.

A ball?

This home has not seen a ball in decades and while the idea may seem small to him it would hold a great burden for the estate.