Page 135 of Dark Bonds

“That’s a lot to put on two people who just found out about all this,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady. “We’re still trying to figure out who we are, let alone what we might mean for your worlds.”

Dante nods, his expression grave. “We understand, but time is not on our side. The deterioration between realms is accelerating. We’re already seeing increased incursions of shadow beasts in the human world and light creatures fading from existence.”

Finn stirs beside me, his face pale but determined. “What exactly are you asking of us?”

Aria and Dante exchange a look, and I feel my stomach clench with apprehension.

“We believe,” Aria says slowly, her luminous eyes darkening with concern, “that you two have the potential to restore the balance and heal the divide between light and shadow, but to do so, you’ll need to learn to harness your unique abilities, and that will require intensive training in both realms.”

She waves her hand, and a shimmering image appears in the air between us. It shows two realms, light and shadow, slowly drifting apart. As we watch, cracks appear along the divide, dark tendrils seeping through.

“This is happening as we speak,” Dante adds grimly. “The barrier between realms is weakening. If it collapses entirely, both worlds could be destroyed. We estimate we have months, maybe a year at most, before the damage becomes irreversible.”

My heart sinks at her words. Just when Finn and I are finally reunited, they want to separate us again.

“No,” I say firmly, standing up. “We’ve been apart for too long already. Whatever training you have in mind, we’ll do it together or not at all.”

Dante’s expression darkens. “You don’t understand the urgency of the situation. The longer we wait?—”

“The longer you wait, the more time we have to actually process everything that’s happened,” Finn interrupts, his voice stronger than I’ve heard it since he woke up. “We’re not your weapons or your miracles. We’re people who have been lied to and manipulated our entire lives. If you want our help, you need to give us time and space to decide for ourselves.”

Pride swells in my chest at Finn’s words. Despite everything he’s been through, he’s standing his ground. I squeeze his hand in silent support.

Aria sighs, her luminous eyes filled with a mixture of frustration and understanding. “Very well,” she says after a moment. “We can’t force you, but please understand, the fate of both realms may rest on your shoulders. We’ll give you time, but not unlimited time. The balance grows more precarious by the day.”

“As you wish, however, you will both need to form your packs and bond,” Dante adds, his tone leaving no room for argument. “This is not negotiable. We will be in touch.” With a nod to eachof us, the two councilors turn and exit the room, leaving heavy silence in their wake.

As soon as the door closes, I slump back into my chair, suddenly exhausted. Finn lets out a long breath, his hand still gripping mine tightly.

“Well,” he says with a weak attempt at humor, “that was intense.”

I can’t help but laugh, the sound tinged with hysteria. “Yeah, you could say that. ‘Hey, kids! Congrats on finding each other after years of manipulation and trauma. Now go save the universe!’ No pressure or anything.”

Finn chuckles then winces slightly. “Ow. Don’t make me laugh, it hurts.”

I immediately sober, concern flooding through me. “Sorry. How are you feeling?”

He’s quiet for a moment, his eyes distant. “Physically? Like I’ve been put through a meat grinder. But emotionally? I’m... I don’t even know. Overwhelmed, I guess. It’s a lot to take in.” He pauses, his brow furrowing. “What do you think we should do?”

I sigh, running a hand through my hair. “Honestly? I have no idea. Part of me wants to tell them all to go to hell and just... I don’t know, run away somewhere. Start over.” I look at Finn, seeing my own uncertainty mirrored in his eyes. “But another part... I can’t shake the feeling that they are right about the urgency. I’ve seen the shadow beasts, Finn. They are getting bolder and more dangerous.”

Finn nods slowly. “And if what Blackwood said is true, about us being able to reshape reality, that’s not something we can just ignore, is it?”

“No,” I admit reluctantly. “I guess it isn’t.”

We sit in silence for a moment, the weight of our newfound responsibility settling over us like a heavy cloak, then Finn speaks again, his voice soft but determined.

“Whatever we decide, we’ll do it together,” he says firmly. “You and me, sis.”

Sis.

I feel a surge of warmth in my chest, a fierce love for the brother I only just found. “Okay,” I whisper, squeezing his hand. “Always.”

Just then, the door opens again, and Leo pokes his head in. “Hey,” he says, his eyes darting between us. “Everything okay in here?”

I manage a small smile. “As okay as it can be when you were just told you might be responsible for saving multiple realms,” I reply, trying to inject some humor into my voice.

Leo grimaces sympathetically. “Yeah, I caught the tail end of that conversation. Heavy stuff.” He steps fully into the room, closing the door behind him. “Listen, I know it’s not my place, but whatever you two decide, you have people in your corner. Me, the pack, we’re here for you.”

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