Page 71 of Chasing Stripes

The elegant, silver-haired fae carried a battered envelope bearing the Blu family emblem. “I bring bad news,” she said. “Your mother’s personal journal is no longer in the archives. Someone has taken it. But I did find a few articles she wrote.”

Artemis’s hands trembled as she accepted the envelope, recognizing the elegant handwriting on the front. “How did you know to bring this now?”

“The magical disturbance here activated certain wards in the archives,” Selene explained. “This envelope practically flew from its shelf. It seems the time has come for its use.

“She was studying cross-species magical bonds,” Selene continued as Artemis and Bartek huddled together over the journal. “Specifically, connections between fae and shifters.”

Bartek read over Artemis’s shoulder, his heart beating faster as the implications became clear. “Your mother believed the bond could be strengthened intentionally,” Artemis read aloud, “through a ritual performed at magical convergence points.”

“The eclipse,” Bartek realized, his eyes widening. “It’s not just dangerous for separation—it’s an opportunity for strengthening.”

“This is why The Collector chose the eclipse,” Artemis said. “Maximum magical potential.”

As they read further, they discovered that Artemis’s parents had been researching soul-tethers because they suspected one might eventually form for their daughter. This revelation struck Bartek almost as profoundly as it clearly affected Artemis.

“They knew?” she whispered, tears filling her eyes. “How could they possibly know?”

“Because history repeats,” Selene said gently. “Your great-grandmother also formed a soul-tether with a tiger shifter. It’s in your blood, child.”

The revelation rocked Artemis—Bartek could feel her shock reverberate through their connection. Her heritage, his lineage, intertwined for generations before they’d ever met. The weight of this knowledge pressed on him, raising questions about fate and choice.

He knelt before her, taking her hands in his. “Does it change how you feel? Knowing this wasn’t entirely chance?”

Her hazel eyes searched his face. “It explains the intensity,” she replied thoughtfully. “But the choice to embrace it was always ours.”

Relief washed through him. He raised her hands to his lips, kissing her knuckles where the golden marks spiraled across her skin. The imprints of his lips glowed briefly before fading slowly into her flesh, adding to the patterns.

“And I choose you,” he said firmly. “Destiny or not.”

SIXTY-THREE

The next afternoon, after spending hours securing the bakery and studying the few articles, Haavi pulled Bartek aside while Artemis consulted with Tilly about additional magical protections.

“You can’t maintain this level of vigilance,” Haavi said quietly. “You’ve barely slept since the attack.”

Bartek bristled. “We’re being hunted. Vigilance is exactly what’s required.”

“No,” Haavi countered with the directness of long friendship. “What’s required is balance. Take her somewhere to de-stress. We’ll guard the perimeter.”

Bartek opened his mouth to argue, then stopped, considering his friend’s words. Constant tension would weaken them both. Every instinct demanded he protect Artemis through strength and vigilance, but perhaps true protection required more than just physical security.

“What did you have in mind?” he asked finally.

Haavi’s expression brightened. “Leave it to me. Just be ready in an hour.”

True to his word, Haavi arranged everything. Pride members secured the area thoroughly beforehand, hidden guards ensuring privacy and safety without intruding on their time together.

Bartek led Artemis along the tree-darkened path, her hand warm in his. “Where are we going?” she asked, curiosity brightening her voice.

“Patience,” he replied, enjoying the rare opportunity to surprise her.

When they reached the clearing illuminated by strings of fairy lights hung from the trees, Artemis gasped in delight. A blanket spread on the ground held an assortment of delicacies—honeyed pastries from her bakery, rare fruits, small savory bites, and a bottle of enchanted wine that glowed amber in the fading light.

“You did this?” she asked, turning to him with shining eyes.

“Haavi helped,” Bartek admitted. “He thought we needed... normality despite everything.”

“He was right.”

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