Page 58 of The Bones of the Cursed

My swallow is audible.

“What is it?” Malakai asks. Kailu stares at me in question, and I no longer want to hide this from them.

Exhaling, I tell them my secret. “In the Caselian Realm, as you know, any type of Witch magic was illegal. They only allowed the magic the Elves possessed to create herbs andmedicines. Small magic is what they called it. Magic as powerful as what the Fae and Witches possess could land you in the noose.”

They both nod, knowing the laws.

“One day, a soldier was injured, his wife and infant son next to him. The wife’s screams were…Gods, they were heart wrenching. I remember feeling this pressure on my chest, a heavy sadness that threatened to overtake my entire body. An icy sensation shot through me, and when I looked at my fingertips, there was a stream of ice trickling onto his wound, making the blood clot…”

Hesitantly, I glance up to find both staring at me with expressions ranging from shock to intrigue.

“Have you been able to connect with that power again?” Kailu asks.

I glance at my fingers. “No. There were times it felt like my body was acting strange or just felt different, but nothing ever happened.”

Malakai is quiet for a moment. “That’s why you ran from dinner. Why you’re more scared now than you were before. You think the prophecy, the one of a child with hidden magic, could be you.”

I don’t need to give an answer. They can both see the truth in my gaze.

“Even if it is, neither of us are going to let anything happen to you.” Kailu’s fierce gaze sends warmth through my body.

“We’ll kill anyone who dares to lay a hand on you,” Malakai whispers, kissing my forehead.

My racing heart seems to calm at his words, but my stomach tightens with fear soon after of what could happen to them. I divert my attention to the mating bond instead. My mind flits back to what Kailu said earlier. “What if whatever the Elves found blocking my mind is blocking our mating bond? How canwe know for sure?”

Kailu smiles, hope glistening in his eyes. “I don’t know, exactly. We would have to find some way to lift whatever it is.”

I swallow hard, glancing between them. “And you both would be all right with that? Me having you both as mates?”

Malakai smiles. He was the one I was worried about. He doesn’t seem the type to share. Neither of them do, really. Both alpha males, headstrong and stubborn.

“Kai has been my friend since childhood, even if I haven’t seen him in decades. Which, I must add, is his own doing, not mine.”

Kailu throws him an annoyed glare.

“If I had to share a mate with anyone, it would be him I chose.” Mal’s soft words calm me, but I think they were meant more for Kailu.

Kailu’s expression doesn’t change, but I notice his breathing slow. I’m close enough that I can tell when his heart is no longer racing.

“Come, we have lots to do. Let’s meet with the others and make a plan.” Kailu states, a renewed sense of determination in his voice.

I follow the two, the entire time unwilling to voice the thought plaguing my mind.

What if we lift whatever spell or magic that is blocking my mind and there is still no mating bond with Kailu?

23

- ALANIS -

RECONCILIATION

When we finally emerge from my room, I have a plan. One that could help me save my brother and protect these two Fae I am falling in love with.

Malakai leads me into the dining room, the oak doors propped open. The sound of clanging utensils echoes through the large room. My eyes drawn to where a breakfast buffet is set, the smell of freshly baked bread hanging in the air, colorful, fresh fruit on platters, with an assortment of cheese on silver plates next to it. Malakai points me to a chair in between himself and Kailu.

When the queen enters, Malakai wastes no time. “Mother, can we see the castle records today?”

“I suppose so. I will have your father take you. He has some free time in about twenty minutes.”

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