Page 36 of May: Bloom & Bane

“However, when the Rhavari sealed his bond, it set off a chain reaction. For the first time in all existence, the Horsemen now know they have bonds of their own.”

“So they’re coming to… what? Congratulate us?”

His halo flashes a sudden brown.

“No. They are coming to ensure the path to their own mates is cleared.”

“How does that have anything to do with us?”

“For the first of them, War, to reach his mate, three specific bonds in this realm must be sealed. The winter beast was first. You are the second. The stitched giant is the third.”

He leans in closer. A soft mist of frost blows across my shoulder.

“I will have no one else decide when I seal my bond, but my mate,” I snarl.

“He is coming to make sure you do not fight who you were meant to be. He needs your bond sealed so the door to his will swing open.”

“And I will do whatever it takes to protect Eden and our bond. I will not rush this because he can’t be patient.”

He smirks… almost.

“It is ironic hearing you say that, little reaper.”

“Why?”

“All in due time.” He studies me. “For now, I will be here to look over you and help when I can.”

“Why would you want to help a stranger?”

“To make up for the past, Sage.”

The word past hits me like an avalanche. An ache blooms in the center of my chest.

“You haven’t told me who you are yet,” I rasp.

“I am Therael, the God of Seasons and Traditions,” he says, “and you are one of my charges.”

“Your charge? I don’t even know you.”

“Sage? Who are you talking to?”

“One moment, Saevúra!” I call back. “Stay inside. Please. It isn’t… safe out here yet.”

“Sage, if you’re in trouble⁠—”

“I’m not in trouble, luváel.” I glance at the god, whose halo has begun to drift in a lazy, mocking circle. “I’ll be inside in a moment. I promise. Just… wait for me.”

Silence follows. I can almost feel her leaning her forehead against the other side of the door.

“Did you like my gift?” he asks.

“Your gift? You mean pulling me away from my mate?”

He chuckles under his breath. “The house. I made it for you and Eden.”

“Why? Why would you make us a house?”

“As I said,” he murmurs. “It is to make up for the past.”