Page 77 of Commanding Blood And Bonds

The use of the title told me we were at least in the same book, if not on the same page.

“No threats,” I said evenly. “Just boundaries.” I let the next words settle before I said them, clear and without apology. “She doesn’t need protection—she’s more than capable of handling herself. But any working relationship needs rules. And mine is Alvara. I’ll fight this war because it’s the right thing to do. But if keeping her safe from our enemies means watching the world burn, I’ll soak it in gasoline myself.”

He tensed, but didn’t interrupt.

“She’s died in my arms too many times. I won’t let it happen again. And you—of all souls—should understand the severity of Bonds like ours. What we’ll do when the lines are drawn.”

Kingsley’s brows pinched tighter, gaze distant, but listening.

“If we’re going to stand side by side in this, you will treat her with respect. Especially when there’s an audience. And in return, I’ll do the same for Rosaleigh. I’ll lay down my life before I watch her suffer. I’d hope the sentiment goes both ways.”

Silence hung for a beat too long. The pine branches swayed overhead, wind rustling like ghosts through the trees. One of Kingsley’s wolves glided between trunks in the distance, silver coat gleaming under the moonlight.

At last, Kingsley nodded. “I believe we understand each other.”

Relief washed through me—cool, settling. When I turned to face him, his gaze met mine, solemn and steady.

“I apologize for my lapse in control,” he said. “And I’ll apologize to Ally, too. We’ve kept this place hidden for years. To have not one, but two enemies show up within hours of your arrival…” He exhaled sharply. “It doesn’t bode well for the weeks ahead.”

“No,” I agreed. “It doesn’t. Healers have been under constant attack in our territory.”

He nodded, eyes hard. “Ours as well.”

“He’s hunting her,” I said. “The prophesied witch.”

Kingsley nodded. In an unexpected level of candor, he said, “I’m not ready for this.”

I laughed—low and bitter, the sound steaming in the cold. “There is no being ready for this.”

“Are you alright?”

I hadn’t heard her approach. After my shower, I’d retreated to the Thornquists’ porch, watching the moon climb the sky until clouds swallowed it whole and snow began to fall. The quiet had been a balm. But it was her voice that made me breathe again.

“Yeah,” I said, though we both knew it was a lie.

In one night, we’d learned more about our Soul Bond than we’d ever dreamed possible—only to be hurled straight into combat. I’d summoned a storm that turned demons into ash, and in the chaos, two innocents burned too. Mortals I was sworn to protect.

Their screams wouldn’t leave me. Nor would the vision of them fleeing, just before the lightning struck.

You are just as magnificent of a specimen as he promised you would be...As you are the weapon he most craves, I believe we could come to an understanding.

Bile rose in my throat. I stared out into the blanket of white, the storm’s wreckage hidden beneath it like a mass grave.

“You’re replaying the necromancer’s words?” she asked softly.

“Like a broken record,” I murmured.

“Don’t let him in your head, baby.” But her voice held that same quiet horror. She didn’t need to say it—she’d felt it too.

Ally settled beside me, fingers slipping into the curls at the base of my neck. My eyes fell closed, greedy for the comfort. Her touch was the only steady thing in a world tipping sideways.

And that bias is what he’s counting on for your destruction, little seer.

“They could be a terrifying weapon,” I said, not even sure if I meant Kade or necromancers in general. My voice sounded detached, like it belonged to someone else.

“They could,” she agreed. “But at what cost?”

I leaned back in the rocking chair, the old wood creaking beneath me. “It’s different. Hearing all their stories. I can’t help but wonder…will we be remembered as heroes? Or murderers?”