The League of Shadows by M. J. Padgett

Author:M. J. Padgett [Padgett, M. J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: MJ Padgett Books LLC
Published: 2024-04-13T00:00:00+00:00

Twenty

Cros Arterios

Protector, The Shadow Guild

The burn of betrayal spreads through my body like venom, but it’s intertwined with something different. Another presence. Something, or someone, whose voice is still in my head. It defies the laws of our bonding to hear another woman, to feel her while I’m still bonded to Natalia, but Aster is here, residing in my mind. She’s in pain. She needs me, and I can’t do anything to save her or protect her. I must tell all of this to my guild leader, but I’m not sure I know where to begin.

“What do you mean, Aster is yours?” Merida asks, glancing at Gates.

She already knows. The Elders have lied to us for long enough. There is no doubt in my mind now that the original fated bonds were real, because the one buzzing with life in my body, the one with Aster and not Natalia is stronger than anything I’ve ever felt in my life.

I dip my head and rest it in my palms, elbows propped on my knees. Merida brushes her hand over my shoulder, a comforting effort, but all it does is increase Astrid’s voice in my mind as if she is already here beside me, speaking to me in person.

She cares for you, Aster’s voice echoes.

I know Merida cares for me. I know I can trust her despite what Natalia has done. Perhaps it’s instinct or even foolish hope, but I still trust the rest of my guild. And I pray that Luke is improved when we return, because if he dies…I shake my head and try not to think about losing a brother.

“Are you okay, Cros?” Merida whispers.

I heave a sigh and lift my head. “No,” I admit. “I don’t know how to feel or what to think, but you should know…I…I also hear Aster as if we’re already bonded. She says you care for me.” I didn’t mean to give away so much, but Merida’s kind eyes filled with concern make it difficult not to give her everything. She’s my leader and a sister.

“You hear her? As a partner?” Her head tilts with this knowledge, already considering what it means. I nod. “Hmm. She had a wolf partner, but I wonder if it’s more?” She trails off but doesn’t say anything more.

“Mer, I think the fated bonds are real,” I admit.

She says nothing, but her gaze connects with mine. There’s no other explanation for what I feel. Already, without seeing more of Aster than a mere image, without hearing more than a whisper in my mind, I would die for her. The only problem is, there is another bond—a forced, magical one—that conflicts just enough to cause a problem. I’d also die for Natalia, but my urge to do so is merely caused by the magical bond and nothing more. Natalia almost killed my best friend. It’s enough to make me want to murder her myself, if not for that pesky connection.

After another mile, Merida sighs. “I think so, too. Sometimes I feel things no human should, only to discover it’s Gates’ current mood.

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