Page 49 of Room for Three
Corin felt a surge of protective fury from Azelon through their bond, though his expression remained neutral.
"He is," Azelon confirmed. "And his name is Corin."
The elder studied Corin for a long moment. "You would bind yourself to such instability?"
"His magic is balance to mine," Azelon replied, his tone leaving no room for argument. "As is our human mate's stability to us both."
"Human?" The elder's eyes widened slightly. "You've bonded with a human?"
"I have." A hint of defiance crept into Azelon's voice. "The same choice that earned my exile is now my freedom."
The elder's image wavered, as if the connection was weakening.
"Then it is done," they said, their voice tinged with what might have been regret. "Your name will be struck from the records. Your line ends with you."
"My line continues," Azelon countered. "Just not in the way you recognize."
The elder shook their head slowly. "Goodbye, Azelon. May you find peace in your choice."
The image dissolved, the water settling back into gentle ripples. Azelon withdrew his hands, droplets clinging to his skin like tears.
For a long moment, neither of them spoke. Corin watched emotions play across Azelon's face—regret, resolution, and finally, a peace he'd never seen there before.
"Are you okay?" Corin asked.
Azelon turned to him, features softening. "I've carried the weight of possible return for so long. It's... strange to set it down."
"Are you sad?"
"No." The certainty in that single word resonated through their bond. "But I grieve what might have been, had my people been different."
Corin hesitated, then reached for Azelon's hand. Their fingers intertwined, and the bond between them hummed to life. More brightly.
"Thank you," Corin said. "For choosing us. For choosing me."
Azelon squeezed his hand. "I should have done it months ago."
"True," Corin conceded. "But then you would not be the stubborn Tideborn I fell for."
The corners of Azelon's lips lifted. "Is that so?"
"If you can love my chaos, I can love how immovable you are." He gazed into the depth of Azelon's eyes. He did love this man.
How could he not?
He was the rock his magic crashed against without breaking.
"Can I..." Corin began, then faltered, suddenly unsure.
He wasn't going to be rejected again. Not after everything, but still…
That he should get to touch Azelon now felt unreal.
Azelon reached out to him as if he were a frightened kitten. "Yes," he said, answering the unspoken question.
Yes.
The word resounded with Corin.
