The Bones of the Cursed (The Primal Realm Book 1) by Josephine Black

Author:Josephine Black [Black, Josephine]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Josephine Black
Published: 2024-09-18T00:00:00+00:00

24

- ALANIS -

THE GOLDEN VALE

The sun set about an hour ago and I slipped into a fitful sleep. I’ve been staring at the ceiling since I woke up, soaking in the warmth of Malakai’s embrace, knowing that I will miss it soon.

He is sure to be angry with me. Kailu as well.

When dawn peeks over the horizon, I slide out from under his arm and walk on soft feet to the bathing room to quickly freshen up. I wait a minute to make sure he is still in a deep sleep before slipping down the stairs and finding a piece of paper to write him a note. I scribble words down quickly, not stopping the tears as they fall.

I knew I couldn’t solidify our bond. Not yet, at least.

What I said was true: I didn’t want to take that step without Kailu. But another part of me wanted to protect Mal. He was already hurt when the ghouls attacked. Mating bonds are fickle things. If I were to solidify it and death should find me, he would be doomed to endure the pain of the bond breaking. But right now, if something were to happen to me, he would be free to find happiness with someone else. He wouldn’t have to endure the heartbreak and suffering of losing a mating bond.

Exiting the house, I take a breath of the crisp night air. The city is quiet all around me, almost peaceful. Then I head to the stables at the castle in the hopes of finding my horse, Aeros.

Kailu mentioned the healer was fixing him up after he sustained an injury to his stomach when the ghouls attacked Elion. I would hope by now he would be healed and just relaxing in the stables, waiting for us to bring him home. There are no lanterns lit when I arrive, which I take as a good sign. The door lets out a loud creak as I pull it open, causing me to freeze in place.

I wait and listen.

When no sounds greet me, I sneak inside. I check every stall, losing hope with each horse I find that isn’t mine. A deep black horse whinnies at me, and I feel the smile overtake my face.

“Zephyr.”

I give him a pat before brushing his forelock aside and dropping a kiss to his forehead. Malakai’s horse is in the stall right next to Kailu’s. I give Atlas some love, too. He is quite a hard nut to crack, kind of like his owner, but I have a soft spot for the difficult ones.

The second to last stall is empty, but I hear a soft snort from the final one. A snort that I recognize well.

Aeros.

I hurry to him. He is so happy to see me that he trots in place and nudges me with his nose. I give him a quick kiss before pulling myself onto his back.

I have nothing with me, no resources, no clothes, but it can’t be helped.

Only my daggers, my weapon of choice.

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