Shattered Souls (Guardians of the Maiden Book 3)

They spent the evening together in the garden until they were caught in the pouring rain. Dyna laughed as they ran for the veranda’s cover. Hands linked, he led her in the opposite direction of the grand hall to the north wing. The storm blew through the open corridors, causing the torches to flicker.

She had to rush to keep up with him, not because he was walking quickly, but because one of his long strides equaled three of hers. “Wait, where are we going?”

“To see my uncle.”

Her eyes widened, sensing exactly why, and she tugged him to a stop. “Now?”

“I intend to make my intentions clear. To him, to my father, and to the Realms,” Cassiel said, water dripping down his face.

They were soaked through. He removed his jacket, bringing it around her shoulders. He brushed the wet strands from her temples and smoothed down her hair. The way he was looking at her was making her pulse dance again, banishing the chill of her wet clothes. Dyna didn’t think she would ever get used to it.

“Will you come with me?” he asked.

“Always,” Dyna said, because she wanted everyone to know he was hers, too.

A smile lit his face, making her heart glow.

She was nervous about what Lord Jophiel would say, and about what would happen from here on out. But Cassiel was with her, and because of it, Dyna felt as if she could face anything.

The soft patter of rain followed them as their footsteps squeaked on the marble floors. They eventually reached a door carved with the sigil of Hermon. After knocking three times, Cassiel led her into a large, quiet room. It was narrow, its size more measured in its length and tall and domed. The two opposing walls were filled with endless books and artifacts. Through an archway was the end of the room. The entire back wall was constructed of floor to ceiling windows with the storm brewing outside. From there a spiral staircase led to an open veranda that circled the entire room where she saw more shelves with books.

The room was dark, the chandeliers left unlit. The center of the domed ceiling was glass while the rest was painted with images she couldn’t quite distinguish. Cassiel led her deeper inside and their soft footsteps carried in the quiet study. They passed a seating area with a couch and chairs, lamps resting on the side tables. He brought her towards a soft glow of light at the end of the room. There, the tables were littered with more artifacts and scattered books left open. A sheet covered something wide and flat on a podium.

Standing by the tall windows, was a male Celestial in blue robes with long blond hair flowing to his back, the tips of his white wings brushing the floor. He was still as he gazed out at the storm. From the circlet on his brow, Dyna guessed this was his uncle.

“My lord.” Cassiel bowed elaborately, and she did the same.

“Your father and I had a falling out some five hundred years ago when I broke away from Hilos,” Lord Jophiel said as lightning flashed across the sky. “When I finally returned, it was on a day like this. A storm blew through the kingdom, and on the eve of your father’s wedding, no less. What came with it changed his life. I have come to wonder, if another storm will do the same for yours. Change is inevitable, Cassiel. I hope in time you can see it’s for the better.”

The ominous statement sent a nervous current through Dyna. What was that supposed to mean?

Cassiel’s hand traveled to the small of her back, and a soothing warmth passed through his palm. That one touch was enough to steady her. “Forgive me for missing dinner. I needed some time.”

“I suppose the news was startling enough to make you forget your manners,” Lord Jophiel mused, his voice idle and thoughtful. “If you have come to dissuade me, my hands are tied. I cannot countermand your father. I know you don’t wish for lordship and all that it entails. It’s a grand responsibility no one is truly prepared for, but I have no doubt you can do it.”

“I understand,” Cassiel said. “How quickly am I to assume your position?”

“As quickly as you desire. Today even.”

“Perfect. I accept. However, I require one leisure year before fulfilling my duty.”

At this, the Lord of Hermon Ridge turned to face them. He looked nearly the same as his portrait in the hall. His handsome face was free of any facial hair, he had strong cheekbones and a firm mouth. He was over five centuries old but didn’t appear much older than his nephew. Celestials were slow to age, yet Dyna wondered why the High King had looked about twenty-five years older than his brother who couldn’t have been too far apart in age.

Lord Jophiel’s startled gaze landed on her face, then where Cassiel’s hand still held her. She had the urge to pull away, but he gripped her waist firm. She felt no nerves from him. No twitch in his wings. Only confidence and assurance.

“The Lords pay homage to the High King,” Cassiel said. “They answer his call and abide by the laws, but they rule their Realms outside of his influence, as is their right. As Lord of Hermon Ridge, I choose who I will spend my life with—and I have chosen.”

Lord Jophiel’s eyes widened, bouncing between them both. “Cassiel, the engagement was a royal decree. A command by your father.”

“He may be the High King, but he does not command my heart. I have someone precious I want to protect, and if he cannot accept that, then I relinquish the lordship.”

They both gaped at him.

You would…give it up? She asked.

Cassiel wove his fingers through hers and brought her hand to his lips. To be lord is a grand thing, but it’s nothing compared to you.

Her heart did a little flip at the declaration.

He looked at his uncle again. “Forgive me, but I won’t marry Lady Sarrai. I cannot when I am already bonded. I would like to properly introduce you to my mate, Dynalya Astron.”

Lord Jophiel looked as if he’d been struck, his eyes widening even further. “You have bonded?”

“Our blood is one,” Cassiel said firmly. “And before you question it, or suggest something unmentionable to break it, what we have is a True Bond. It cannot be broken without breaking us both.” His tone grew hard, edging on a cold warning. “And I hope you can see that I will do what is necessary to prevent that.”

Silence filled the study with nothing but the sound of rain. A tremble went through Dyna at how quickly he went from affectionate to menacing. She kept her gaze respectfully lowered in the long stretch of quiet.

Lord Jophiel let out an incredulous puff of air. “By the grace of Elyōn, Cassiel. The last thing I expected was this news, let alone to have you threaten me over it.”

“Pardon me, Uncle. I did not intend it to be a threat.”

“Yes, you did.” His gaze flickered back and forth between them. “Quite frankly, many things now make much more sense.”

Not sure what that meant, Dyna shared a frown with Cassiel.

“I’m referring to you revealing yourself to save her, and she destroying the throne room to save you. It’s what True Bonded mates do. They protect each other.” Lord Jophiel’s brow creased with concern as he looked at them. “Unreservedly. Your grandfather was True Bonded himself.”

By his uneasy expression, he must be recalling what King Rael did to avenge the death of his wife. Theirs had been a tale of tragedy that ended with a whole city destroyed. After what she did to protect Cassiel, she feared what she would do at the loss of her mate, too.

“Well, come here, my dear.” Lord Jophiel held out a hand to her. “I must greet my new niece by marriage.”

When they came to him, Dyna had prepared for the worst. Perhaps shouting, anger, or the calling for guards, not the kindness she saw on his face.

At her hesitation, Cassiel sent encouragement through the bond. Dyna gathered her wet skirts and went to take his uncle’s hand, lowering into a curtsey.

“It’s an honor to meet you, my lord.” She felt that familiar electrical charge when her skin met his, letting her know he was Soul Searching.

“I see. You both certainly are of one soul. How did this come to be? I would appreciate the full story, Cassiel.” He frowned at him. “At the news of your capture, I feared something had happened to you. I was ready to bring the Legion upon the Port of Azure. Don’t make me go through such a thing again.”

Cassiel smiled faintly. “Please don’t start a war over my behalf. My one life is not worth the loss of many more.”

“What did you do to have a bounty placed on your head?” his uncle continued sternly.

Cassiel hesitated to answer, glancing at her.

“Does it have to do with Mount Ida?” Lord Jophiel asked next. They both froze in surprise and he glowered. “Do you not trust me, Cassiel?”

“Of course, Uncle.”

“When your father first told me you were returning to Hermon, he shared with me how you broke Rael’s Law when you spared a human in his territory.” Lord Jophiel glanced at her. “He also mentioned her werewolf cousin, and how they had a map to Mount Ida in their possession. When you did not arrive, I had my suspicions. Now you are here with a curious group of people and bonded. I assume you were on your way to Mount Ida, but with the bounties, you are no longer able to catch a ship in Azure. Therefore, you have come to me, so I may allow you to cross Troll Bridge. Am I correct?”

Dyna’s shock welded with Cassiel’s at how deftly he figured it out. “Yes.”

“Why do you have a bounty?” Lord Jophiel asked again, the sternness returning to his face. “It’s about time you tell me the full story of your harrowing journey.”

He motioned for them to take a seat in one of the sofas, and he did the same. They told him everything. How they had bonded and the remaining details of what had happened in the port, then of her capture and escape. By the end, Lord Jophiel was kneading his temples.

“If father knew what I planned, he never would have allowed it. I have to go to Mount Ida. I have to find her.” Some of Cassiel’s emotions slipped through the bond, and she saw flashes of a woman with black hair.

“Gods, this is a lot to take to mind.” Lord Jophiel sighed. “We will discuss that later. You gave your blood to a human, Cassiel. That alone would have exiled you. It resulted in a True Bond, which was fate, if not a miracle. For it’s the only thing that will spare you.” He gave him a disapproving look. “This is quite a mess. One I must immediately inform your father of. There may still be repercussions for it.”

Cassiel nodded stiffly. “I understand.”

“I know my brother. Whether he approves or not, I don’t believe Yoel will attempt to separate you. Nonetheless, this does change things.”

“You mean I may no longer be considered to lord over Hermon Ridge?” her mate asked, a tad hopeful.

“I mean this will change how you are both perceived by the Realms. The union of your father and mother caused great controversy, and she had only been a mistress.”

A knot grew in Dyna’s chest and a muscle flexed in Cassiel’s tight jaw. His mother wasn’t spared from the prejudice of his people, and neither would she. But she already knew that, and it didn’t change her mind. They would withstand anything to be together and she decided then she would not be afraid.

“You are the first prince to marry a human. I cannot pretend the courts will find it favorable. It will be something you both will have to be primed to expect. As for the lordship, your ascension has not changed, at least on my part. In the end, it will be your father’s decision. Nevertheless, there is one thing I am certain of.”

She held her breath.

“There must be a wedding.”

“A wedding?” Dyna shrunk in her seat. She could withstand the disdain of court, beatings, captivity, even leaping off a cliff, but dressing up in a white gown and getting married before the entire Celestial population made her want to run and hide.

Cassiel’s mouth hitched at her reaction. “Is it necessary, Uncle?”

“Well, I’m assuming you did not perform the Bonding Rites or had any witnesses to your blood exchange.”

They shook their heads.

“There is an order to things that you skipped, Cassiel. The High King is meant to choose the mates of the royal family, and there are rituals that must be completed to sanction a bonding. Well, what’s done is done. For your marriage to be legally valid and presented at the court, you must be handfasted before Elyōn. All traditions must be honored.”

Lord Jophiel lifted a hand when he tried to argue. “The Realms cannot be denied this. During the wedding, Dynalya will be properly announced as Princess Consort of Hilos. Not only will it authorize the title she now holds, it’s also the security needed to fortify her place as your lawfully wedded wife. This is for her sake, as well.”

Cassiel’s amused voice floated into her thoughts. What do you think, lev sheli? Shall I force you to marry me again?

Dyna laughed weakly at his jest. Anxiety droned in her like a hive of bees, but she understood why this had to be done. She also wanted to earn the courts acceptance, so if that included some grand ceremony, then that’s what they would have. Gods, I think I might faint.

He cracked a smile and tucked a loose strand behind her ear. Zev did say he expected a proper wedding. It’s no less than what you deserve.

But one worry they both had surfaced in the bond.

We’re short on time, Cassiel. We didn’t intend to stay much longer than tonight.

It will most likely be held at the peak of the festival, which is in three days. After that, we leave.

Three days.

It still felt too long with winters arrival hanging over their heads. If it snowed, they couldn’t cross Troll Bridge.

They looked back at Lord Jophiel to find him staring at them. “Forgive me for asking this, but have you…consummated your marriage?”

Heat rushed through Dyna’s cheeks.

Cassiel shifted in his seat, clearing his throat. “No, Uncle. Of course not.”Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

“Good. There are steps you must take to establish your bond properly before you can …enjoy each other.”

God of Urn. The conversation had taken an awkward turn. She didn’t want to talk about this with his uncle, or even think of it yet. They were barely beginning to explore their relationship.

“You mentioned she was taken and you could not find her. A True Bond cannot be hidden after it’s fully formed. Once joined, no spell could ever hide her from you again.” Lord Jophiel canted his head as he studied them further. “Yet I see your bond is very nearly complete. Take care not to reveal your mind speak in the presence of others. It’s a rare ability and a good defense to have. It loses its value if many know about it.”

Dyna glanced at Cassiel. Perhaps now would be the time to tell him about your other ability.

He nodded. “There is something I must show you, Uncle. Well, uh, during the confrontation with Tarn, something strange happened. My sword was…blessed.”

An oddly careful expression formed on Lord Jophiel’s face. “I see. Well, I would not find that strange, given the circumstances.”

Cassiel looked away, and she felt a tiny trickle of his shame. He didn’t confess the reason why he shouldn’t have Seraph fire was because he killed people. It was supposed to only go to those with a pure soul. He thought himself as some blackhole, but that wasn’t true. He only looked like a star to her.

Dyna brushed his arm, encouraging him to continue.

“That’s not all.” Standing, Cassiel backed up several steps and held out his hand. At first nothing happened, but he glanced at her, and flames burst to life in his palm.

Lord Jophiel jerked back in his chair, exclaiming something under his breath in their language.

“Uncle?”

He quickly composed himself. “Ah…I’m sorry, my dear.” He smiled at her apologetically. “Would you mind giving us the room for a moment?”

Dyna rose to her feet. “Yes, of course.”

“She can hear anything you will tell me,” Cassiel argued.

“It’s all right,” she said, then in the bond she added, We can discuss it later.

He frowned. Wait in my chamber. It’s at the end of the second hall on the right. The door will bear the sigil of Hilos.

Dyna curtsied. “Thank you for your kindness and acceptance, Lord Jophiel. It’s an honor to meet the person who raised Cassiel.”

He stood to bow in return. “A pleasure, my lady.”

She left the study with her mind reeling with what happened and relieved that Cassiel’s uncle was on their side. It was more than she’d hoped for.

After several steps, Dyna came before a set of wide, double doors with the mark of gilded wings expanding from a crowned sword lit aflame. The sigil of Hilos. Going in, she first entered a drawing room with paneled walls and plush seating for guests. The room felt cold, with no signs of ever being in use. Dyna followed the low firelight to the open doors leading to the bedroom where the hearth was lit, providing the space with gentle warmth.

Cassiel’s room was elaborate like the rest of the castle, with the walls adorned with carved moldings and gold, fine stone floors, and opulent furniture. But it held only what was necessary. A large bed rested between two windows, an armoire, seating by the hearth. Another doorway led, she guessed, to a private bathing area. Dyna sat in a settee to wait. But after an hour, she was feeling sleepy. The sound of soft footsteps echoed out in the hall and Dyna rushed to open the door. She froze and so did Prince Asiel when he spotted her.

He chuckled, glancing around. “Well, this is unexpected. It’s an oddly late hour to be leaving a male’s room unescorted.”

A blush rose to her face. Dyna thought to defend herself, but she wasn’t sure if she should reveal the nature of their relationship. “I came by to see if Cassiel was here, but he isn’t, so I will be on my way.”

Asiel blocked her from leaving. “Why did you come to see him?”

“Nothing of concern.”

“Oh, but I’m very concerned.”

She glowered at his teasing. “Do you always take this much interest in everyone you meet?”

A sly smile curved his mouth as he stepped closer, cornering her against the door. “Only in those who I find rather interesting—”

He was ripped away from her in a flash of black. She hardly had time to register Cassiel’s presence before he twisted Asiel’s arm behind his back and brutally slammed his face into the wall. The heavy thud echoing through the quiet corridor.

Asiel grunted through a short laugh, the sound muffled with half his mouth constrained against the stone. “Well, hello there, cousin.”

“I warned you,” Cassiel seethed, the low snarl rising the hair on Dyna’s neck. He looked ready to dislocate his arm.

Asiel winced at the added pressure. “I was only speaking to her.”

“Might I remove your tongue, so that will no longer be your excuse?

“My word, I did not know you had it in you to be so violent. You are quite territorial over this human, and one I caught shamelessly leaving your room. Who is she to you?”

There was no hesitation.

Cassiel clenched his teeth and growled one definitive word that made his claim inherently clear. “Mine.”

The sound of it reverberated through the bond, the possessiveness sending pleasant shivers through her body.

Asiel’s smirk faded into shock.

“This is the last time you approach her without invitation. I will not be so kind again.” Cassiel yanked him off the wall and shoved him away, making him stumble a few steps. “Now go.”

Then he took her hand and led her in the opposite direction. Asiel was left to stare after them with a dumbfounded look on his face.

“You staked your claim in front of your cousin,” Dyna commented neutrally. She wasn’t upset by it. If anything, it sent a little thrill through her, but she also didn’t mind watching him squirm a bit.

Cassiel sensed it, and his gaze grew challenging. “I plan to proclaim it before the entire Realm, lev sheli.”

She sleepily smiled at that and yawned. “You were gone awhile.”

“Yes, pardon.” His face creased and a trickle of his concern slipped through the bond. “He gave me much to think about. Would you mind if we discuss it later? I think we should save the rest of this conversation for the morning.”

After another yawn, she said, “I think you’re right.”

He drew into an embrace. “Get your rest. Tomorrow will change everything.”