Page 74 of Realms of Shadow and Sun

Sion turned and headed for the stairs, his head still lowered like a dog being punished by its master. Selenia felt physically ill with every step Sion took, and she panicked, not knowing how she could handle his absence.

“You can't send him away!” she yelled desperately. “He's my fated mate!”

A hush fell over the hallway, and Sion stopped, his shoulders hunched as he faced the stairs. He slowly turned around, his jaw hanging.

“What do you mean, Selenia?” Renya's voice carried down the hall as she walked towards them, her hair messy and a silk nightgown hugging her frame.

Selenia gulped and felt the tears burn in her eyes. “I'm fated to be with him.”

“That's impossible,” Grayden said, instantly dismissing her words. “He's too old for you.”

Sion finally spoke. “Selenia, it's sweet of you to try and lie for me, but you know we are not fated. I feel affection for you, and I took advantage of your friendship. But I'm not your mate.”

Selenia started sobbing, unable to control the flow of emotion that came over her. “It's true,” she begged, looking at her brothers.

Renya spoke. “Grayden, you of all people should know that exceptions occur with fated bonds.” Her voice was firm, but gentle, and she looked at Selenia with concern. “Selenia, tell us why you believe you're fate-bound to Sion.” Renya walked over and put her arm around her, and Selenia felt a rush of affection towards her soon-to-be sister.

“When Sion and I came back from the Sun Realm, we stopped in the forest that borders the Twilight Kingdom. I was hurting, aching for Jurel—”

“See! It's grief that's driven her to these actions—”

“Phillippe.” One warning word from Renya was enough to make him shut his mouth. Renya squeezed Selenia's shoulder, encouraging her to continue.

“And I just wanted to make it stop. So, I tricked Sion into taking me to the pond where the Murcurial appeared.”

Hurt flashed in Sion's eyes, and Selenia looked away, embarrassed by her sudden guilt.

Renya looked baffled. “What's a Murcurial?”

“Almost like a soothsayer,” Grayden answered. “They are akin to witches and are said to know the future.”

“That's elkten crap,” Phillippe argued. “They are just no good pranksters.”

“Anyways,” Selenia continued. “I sought her out and asked her to help me forget about Jurel. She said she could make the pain lessen, but not in the way I thought. And that it would hurt at first, but I would be happy for it in the end. She touched my forehead, and then…I knew. Sion is my mate.”

Selenia looked at Sion, not caring about anyone's reaction but his. He looked confused, and disbelief was evident in his dark eyes.

“I know it's unbelievable, but I think somehow the lack of magic has masked our bonds. I think the Murcurial broke through whatever was blocking me from feeling the bond. But it's true. I know in my heart that I am fated for Sion.”

Grayden looked torn, like he wanted to believe her, but Phillippe looked skeptical. Renya gave her shoulders another squeeze, as if to let Selenia know she was on her side.

Selenia's eyes darted to Sion again, and he met hers, walking slowly towards her. He stopped right in front of her, and Renya let go of her shoulders and moved back to Grayden's side. Sion fell to his knees, looking up at her.

“If you are truly my mate, Selenia Snowden, then I am the luckiest fae to ever walk our world.” He kissed her knuckles, his brown eyes piercing hers. “But I must confess, I don't feel the certainty that you do. I admire you, care for you…lust after you,” he whispered the last line, “but I don't know that I'm fated to you.”

She touched his cheek. “I understand, Sion. I'm sorry you had to find out this way, but I couldn't have you sent away. Being around you hurts me, knowing you don't feel our bond, but having you gone—I wouldn't survive it.” The words rushed out, and she normally would have been embarrassed at such a confession, but she'd already opened herself up wide and let the raw truth tumble out.

“Grayden. You can't possibly send him away and subject your sister to more pain.” Renya looked expectantly at Grayden.

“Yes he can!” Phillippe thundered.

“Phillippe Snowden! If you don't stop acting like a world-class asshole, I'm going to write to Esmeralda and tell her what a hot-headed, idiotic dick you are!”

Selenia suppressed a smile, and even Grayden looked impressed at Renya's threat.

“I don't know what half of those things you said mean,” Phillippe retorted. “But I get the gist of it. I don't like it, but I won't interfere.” He turned his back and headed down the stairs.

“Thank you,” Selenia mouthed at Renya, and she returned a small smile.

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