Page 296 of Split or Swallow

“You will be fully human.”

The reality of this revelation sunk in slowly. If Tem became fully human, she would lose the ability to crest. If that happened, Leo’s life was in danger. Bastian had said that the crest was an elegant solution—that the alternative was all-out war. If she couldn’t perform the crest, there would be bloodshed.

“How can I heal it?”

Adelaide pursed her lips.

“I do not know that it can be healed. But if it were possible, it would require a significant amount of power.”

Tem’s mind was racing. Surely, cresting the royals would garner her a significant amount of power. But only if she could do it before the basilisk side of her died completely. She lifted her chin.

“How long do I have?”

Adelaide sighed.

“I do not know that either. Caspen crested you days ago. That means the basilisk side of you has been dying for just as long. If the deterioration of your connection is as bad as you say, I would guess you have a week. Maybe less.”

A week. Maybe less.

Tem fought to ignore the panic threatening to overtake her.

“You can’t tell Caspen.”

Adelaide opened her mouth to protest.

“You can’t,” Tem insisted. “He’ll never forgive himself if he finds out this is his fault. Promise me.”

But the basilisk shook her beautiful head.

“It will not matter what I promise. He will find out when he can no longer speak to you with his mind. Most likely he has already begun to feel the effects. It is inevitable, Temperance.”

Tem held back tears.

“Listen to me,” Adelaide said urgently. “That is the least of your worries. You must remember that you are bound to Caspen by blood.”

Tem closed her eyes as she realized what Adelaide was about to say. Nothing could prepare her for hearing it.

“His life is linked to yours,” Adelaide leaned closer. “If a part of you dies—specifically the basilisk part…”

Tem finished for her:

“Caspen will die too.”

CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE

Adelaide didn’t linger. There was nothing else to say, anyway. She left Tem by the fire, and a moment later Caspen returned, worry evident on his face.

“Tem,” he murmured, his arms already around her. “Talk to me. Please.”

Tem closed her eyes. What could she tell him? That a part of her was dying? That he was dying too? There was no way to say it. And besides, Adelaide was right. He would find out eventually.

When Tem didn’t answer, Caspen spoke again:

“Tem,” he said quietly, “I know I have not been…what you need of late. But I cannot bear it when you shut me out.”

Realization hit her.

Caspen thought Tem was the reason their connection had been weak the past few days. He thought she was angry about his engagement to Adelaide—that she was pushing him away on purpose, to punish him. It couldn’t be further from the truth.