Page 133 of Dark Bonds

I close my eyes, trying to center myself. My shadows stir restlessly, responding to my turmoil. Suddenly, I feel a pull, like someone hooked my navel with a fishing line, and everything goes sideways. It’s like the world is breaking apart right in front of me.

Colors bleed and swirl, a kaleidoscope of chaos that sets my teeth on edge. Something’s coming. Something big.

I blink, and when I open my eyes, I’m standing in a vast, shadowy realm. The air here is thick and heavy, pressing against my skin like a living thing. Before me stands a figure of impossible beauty and terror—Nyx, the dark goddess herself. Nyx keeps... changing. One second, she’s beautiful, and the next, she’s terrifying. It’s making my head spin.

“Child of shadow and light.” Her voice echoes in my mind, a symphony of whispers and screams. “You stand at a crossroads. The path you choose will shape the fate of both realms.”

The power coursing through me is intoxicating and terrifying. Is this what I’m meant to become?

Images flash before my eyes, so vivid I can almost touch them—armies of shadow creatures, their forms writhing and twisting in ways that defy comprehension, the eredar beasts in flight, their massive wings blotting out the sun, and my brother and I standing back-to-back as power flows between us, a circuit of light and dark.

I see Leo, his easy smile replaced by fierce determination as he leads a charge against unseen enemies, Matteo, his quiet strength a beacon in the chaos, protecting those who can’t protect themselves, and Dorian, his icy exterior melted away, wielding magic with a grace and power that takes my breath away. All of them are led by Bishop.

“The threat you faced today was but a shadow of what’s to come,” Nyx continues, her words burning into my soul. In the depths of her fathomless eyes, I catch a glimpse of a world on fire and shadows made into flesh, of a war that will shake the foundations of reality. “You must be ready. You must be strong.”

I want to ask what she means and beg for more information, but the vision is already fading, slipping through my fingers like smoke. I gasp as I come back to myself, the taste of otherworldly power lingering on my tongue.

“Frankie?” Leo’s worried voice breaks through my daze, pulling me back to reality. “Are you okay? You zoned out for a minute there.”

I look up to see all three of my mates gathered around me, their faces etched with concern. Dorian’s usual mask of indifference has slipped, revealing a depth of worry that catches me off guard. Taking a deep breath, I steady myself against the lingering effects of the vision and begin to tell them about my encounter with Nyx.

As I speak, I see understanding and determination dawning in their eyes. I don’t know what’s coming, or what I’m supposed to do about it, but at least I have these guys with me. That’ssomething, right? After everything we’ve been through, I trust these guys with my life. We’re in this together, no matter what.

“So,” Matteo says when I finish, his voice steady and sure, “it looks like our adventure is just beginning. We should start planning our next move. The council will need to be informed, and we’ll need to secure the area. I can coordinate with the others if you need time to process, Frankie.”

Leo grins, a spark of excitement in his eyes despite the gravity of the situation. “Battling shadow monsters, saving realms... just another day for Team Frankie, right?” His levity is a balm, chasing away some of the lingering dread left by Nyx’s warning.

Dorian, who’s been quiet until now, steps forward and takes my hand. His touch, usually so cool and controlled, is warm and comforting. “The shadows whisper of change,” he murmurs, his eyes distant yet focused, “but with you, little owl, I see a glimmer of light in the darkness. Whatever comes next, we’ll face it together. All of us.” The depth of emotion in his voice, so rare for him, nearly undoes me.

Their unwavering support washes over me, chasing away the last of my doubts. I squeeze Dorian’s hand and smile at Leo and Matteo, feeling the strength of our bond—even Bishop who hovers nearby, a gap between us that I am determined to bridge.

“Together,” I agree, feeling stronger than I ever have before, the power of shadow and light thrumming through my veins.

As the sun climbs higher, bathing our ragtag group in golden light, I feel a sense of purpose settle over me. The road ahead is uncertain, filled with challenges I can’t even begin to imagine, but with my mates by my side, my brother to protect, and a newfound connection to powers beyond my understanding, I’m ready to face whatever comes.

The shadow realm is calling, and this time, I’ll answer on my own terms.

Something calls to me, deep in my bones, and I know we’re not ready to face it.

Chapter 44

Frankie

The beeping machinesare driving me crazy. Each sound reminds me how close I came to losing the brother I just found. I sit by Finn’s bedside, my newfound brother still recovering from years of suspended animation. The sterile smell of disinfectant mingles with the metallic tang of magic that seems to cling to everything in Shadow Locke.

Finn’s eyes flutter open, focusing on me with a mix of wonder and uncertainty that mirrors my own tumultuous emotions.

I’m not sure I’ll ever get over the difference in our eyes.

Mine hold shadows, and his hold light.

“Hey there,” I say softly, reaching out to squeeze his hand. His skin is cool to the touch, as if his body is still remembering how to be alive. “How are you feeling?”

Finn tries to smile. It’s weak, but I catch a hint of the troublemaker he must have been. “Like I’ve been asleep for a century and run over by a truck, so better than yesterday.”

I can’t help but chuckle, marveling at how his sense of humor mirrors my own. It’s weird seeing bits of myself in him—same, but different, like we’re puzzle pieces that don’t quite fit anymore. “Well, you’re not far off. Blackwood had you in stasis for years.”

At the mention of Blackwood’s name, Finn’s expression darkens, shadows gathering in the hollows of his cheeks. The monitors beside his bed beep a little faster, as if his body remembers a terror his mind is still processing.

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