Page 65 of Fated By Fire

“It was necessary,” I insist.

“Necessary? Caleb, the Heartstone isn’t something to be taken lightly, let alone shown to outsiders.”

“She’s not just anyone. When she touched it… there was a reaction. I’ve felt a connection ever since. To be honest, it was there before. Now it’s stronger. Almost overwhelming.” I pause,searching for the right words. “It’s like a hum at the edge of my mind, an echo of her heartbeat aligning with mine.”

Fuck. I wish that didn’t sound so ridiculous.

Lydia is silent for a moment before speaking. “You know the old stories, don’t you? The legends of the ancient mate bond?”

I stiffen, already knowing where this is heading. “Sure, but I thought they were mere myths. Something from our past.”

“They’re more than myths. The Heartstone is said to resonate with those who are destined for the bond. If what you’re feeling is true, this could be significant.”

I exhale slowly. “I don’t know what to make of it. It’s… compromising my judgment.”

“I can imagine,” she says softly. “But you need to be careful. The clan may not be ready for this, especially not now.”

“Fuck. I don't know ifI’mready for it.” I rub the back of my neck.

“It won’t be up to you if this is your destiny.” There's a smile in her voice despite the serious nature of the conversation.

“Dammit, Lydia, I don't have time for this,” I snap. “Destiny doesn’t factor into it.”

“You’re a dragon, boy.” Her tone has shifted, hardened. Reminding me of the centuries between us. “Your entire world is about destiny. Fate. It’s how we’re wired.”

I pull in a breath. “You’re right. Of course. I suppose I’m just feeling the pressure of the meeting today. I’m wondering how to inform the clan about Malakai.”

She hesitates before answering. “It’s a dangerous move. His supporters won’t be pleased.”

“I don’t have a choice. He’s become a threat to us all.”

“Then tread carefully, Caleb. And keep me informed about Elena.” She clears her throat. “This may not sit well with everyone. We don’t take easily to outsiders. And until she’s proven herself, that’s what she’ll be.”

I give a half-laugh. “Now, there’s an understatement.”

“Just be careful,” she repeats.

“I will. Thank you, Lydia.” I end the call and set the phone down, turning back to face the window once more. The office feels stifling, the walls closing in as the responsibility of everything presses down on me.

I can’t focus. Reports lay scattered across my desk—financial projections, security assessments, merger proposals—all ignored. My thoughts keep drifting back to her. The way her eyes widened when she touched the Heartstone, the spark between us that felt both exhilarating and terrifying. It’s irrational. This pull towards her, it’s affecting my judgment.

A knock on the door drags me from my thoughts. “Come in.”

Sloane steps inside. “The clan members are starting to arrive.”

“Thank you. I’ll be there shortly.”

She studies me for a moment. “Are you sure about this?”

“No,” I admit. “But it’s necessary.”

She offers a brief nod before leaving me alone again.

“Damn it,” I mutter, shoving papers aside. If that old bastard Malakai was around, he’d be telling me that my father would have handled things differently. But Dad never faced anything like this before. I don’t think anyone in my line has since before the last century. And the irony is that Malakai himself is the problem.

Just then, the door bursts open without so much as a knock. Dorian strides in, agitation evident in the tight set of his jaw and the way he clutches his phone.

“You need to see this,” he says, thrusting the device towards me.

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