Page 106 of Dark Bonds

The shadows around us seem to deepen, as if eager to hear my response. I swear I can feel them pressing against my skin, testing for weaknesses, waiting to devour us both.

“I’ve been going back and forth on this for weeks,” I say, looking her in the eye. “It’s been driving me crazy.”

I pause, clearing my throat when she doesn’t say anything more.

“After everything happened, I realized I needed to do more, so I made a decision. I’m going to become a guardian,” I say, watching her reaction carefully. “It’s... It’s not an easy path, Frankie. The guardians are ancient, older than Shadow Locke itself. They are the ones who’ve been holding back the decay of our realm, fighting things that would make shadow beasts look like puppies.” I run a hand through my hair, feeling the weight of the decision. “It means giving up teaching and dedicating my life to protecting our world. The oath changes you, binding you to the shadow realm in ways I don’t fully understand yet, but if it means I can keep you—keep everyone safe, then it’s worth it.”

Frankie’s brow furrows, confusion and curiosity warring in her expression. Her fingers twitch, as if itching to solve this new puzzle I’ve presented. “A guardian? What does that mean exactly? And why now, Bishop?”

“I just… Fuck, I just need to do more. The guardians have been around for centuries. They’ve been doing all they can to push the decay back, to push the beasts back, and I want to be a part of something amazing.” As I speak, I can see the wheels turning in Frankie’s mind, her quick intellect processing this new information with a speed that both impresses and terrifies me.

“It’s dangerous, isn’t it?” she asks, a hint of concern coloring her voice. Her eyes narrow, that sharp mind of hers already connecting dots. “There’s more to this than you’re telling me.”

I nod, unable to lie to her again. “It’s dangerous, yes, and lately, I’ve been having these dreams... Gods, Frankie, they are unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. The point is, it’s not a decision I’ve made lightly, but it’s a chance to make a difference and to protect you and the others in a way I should have been all along.”

Frankie falls silent, her expression as unreadable as a still pond. After what feels like an eternity, she speaks. “I get it, Bishop, I really do, but every time I think I understand what’s going on, another bombshell drops. How am I supposed to trust you when I feel like I’m constantly walking through a minefield of your secrets?”

The weight of my actions settles on my shoulders, heavy as a gravestone. “I know,” I reply, reaching into my pocket. “That’s why I want you to have this.”

I pull out an intricately carved wooden puzzle box, its surface etched with shadow realm symbols that seem to writhe in the dim light. It’s similar to the ones I’ve given her before, but this one’s different, more complex and revealing. My heart races as I wonder if she’ll solve this one as quickly as the others and finally unravel the twisted knot of my soul.

Frankie takes it, her fingers tracing the patterns with a reverence that makes my heart ache. The tension between us is so thick you could cut it with a knife. There’s so much we need to say but can’t.

“Inside is a letter,” I explain, my voice rough with emotion. “It’s everything I’ve wanted to say but couldn’t find the words for. My regrets, my hopes... All of it. When you’re ready, I hope you’ll read it, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll find it in your heart to forgive me.”

Frankie nods, clutching the box to her chest like a lifeline. For a moment, I see a flicker of the old Frankie in her eyes—theone who used to look at me like I hung the moon. It makes my heart ache with a pain so sharp I can barely breathe.

“Bishop,” she says softly, and gods, the way she says my name still makes my pulse race. “I... I can’t pretend this doesn’t change things, but...” She bites her lip, and I have to force myself not to stare. “Just... be careful, okay? Whatever this guardian thing is, whatever’s happening with the shadow realm, don’t you dare get yourself killed trying to play the hero.”

Her words, tinged with a concern she can’t quite hide, give me a spark of hope I know I don’t deserve. “I won’t,” I promise, resisting the urge to reach out and touch her. “I have too much to live for.”

Cass shows up, killing the moment.

“Bishop!” she calls out, striding toward us with the confidence of a lioness. “I just heard about your decision to join the guardians. I think it’s brilliant!”

I watch as Frankie tenses, her grip on the puzzle box tightening until her knuckles turn white. There’s a flash of something in her eyes before she masks it with a neutral expression that would fool anyone but me.

“Cass,” I greet, suddenly aware of the tension crackling in the air like static electricity. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

Cass grins, her enthusiasm a stark contrast to the somber mood. “Well, when I heard the news, I had to come congratulate you in person. Oh, and to fill you in on our little side project, of course.”

Frankie’s head snaps up, her eyes narrowing. “Side project?”

I wince internally, knowing this isn’t how I wanted to broach the subject. “It’s... complicated,” I begin, but Cass, oblivious to the delicate balance, barrels on.

“Oh, it’s absolutely thrilling!” Cass gushes, her eyes shining with excitement. I wince, knowing this isn’t how I wanted Frankie to find out.

“Cass, maybe we should—” I start, but she’s already talking.

“We’ve been tracking these incredible shadow realm fluctuations,” she continues. “It’s like nothing we’ve ever seen before. The boundaries between realms are... well, they are almost fluid.”

I watch Frankie’s expression darken, her fingers tightening on the puzzle box. Damn it. This is exactly what I was trying to avoid.

“And you didn’t think this was something the rest of us should know about?” Frankie’s voice is sharp enough to cut glass.

Cass continues, undeterred. “We think there might be a way to stabilize the boundaries between realms, maybe even prevent more eredar beasts from crossing over. Don’t you think it’s exciting, Frankie?”

I need to intervene. “We believe someone is controlling it.” I glare at Cass, mentally willing her to shut up. “We didn’t want it to get out and have anyone accuse anyone.”

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