Page 159 of Bonded Chaos

My parents were beside themselves with worry, and I knew Cadence would never put them through such turmoil for nothing.

There had to be more to it.

My boots hit the wooden steps that led into my house, and I stomped on the landing, ridding myself of the dirt packed into the crevices.

Cadence was always on my case about things like that.

Pain lanced my chest, and I moved my hand to rub at the unseen wound. My gaze roamed over the forest that surrounded my home, and I wondered if I had time for one last foray into the woods before night descended.

A loud clap of thunder answered me. With a heavy sigh, I pushed open the door and marched inside.

A small pile of letters sat on my mat, and I crouched down to retrieve them. I thumbed through them as I moved toward the kitchen, and my footsteps faltered as my eyes landed on a familiar script.

Cadence.

The other letters fluttered to the ground as I ripped the envelope open and pulled out the parchment. I devoured every word, but I felt even more confused than before.

I strode to my desk, pulled out my chair, and settled in to read Cadence’s words once more.

To my dearest Callum,

As always, I hope this letter finds you well.

Kindly check on the apothecary for me.

She disappeared without a trace and the first thing she says isn’t —I’m alive, no need to fret— but check on my fucking apothecary!

What the fuck, Cadence!

Even though our neighbors have the utmost integrity, I worry about the store being left unattended for too long.

Utmost integrity, my ass. Those bastards would rob her blind if they weren’t so concerned she’d poison them for their efforts.

Never take anything for granted, as you always say.

In all my years, I’d never shared such a sentiment. I took most things for granted, threw caution to the wind, and lived recklessly.

And Cadence damn well knew that.

By the way, I hope you followed up on the opportunity with Teal.

You deserve to be happy whoever you choose.

Understandably, Roark may require some convincing, but I have faith in you.

If I recalled our conversation accurately, she’d chewed me out for it and even predicted Roark would kill me.

“You’re so full of shit, Cadence!”

Now, as to the purpose of my letter.

See, I always wanted to explore more of the kingdom, but I have never had the time with all my responsibilities at home.

Eventually, my time will end, and I fear I will never see what’s out there waiting for me.

Exploration, adventure, and possibly finding my mate — now is the moment for me to chase it all.

Love has never been important to me, but I’m starting to think I should have made it a priority long ago.

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