Chapter 143: Ties That Bind
**James**
Avery stands at the center, her piercing eyes reflecting the weight of the decision she has just made. The Ancient One's demand for her life force has created a dangerous bond, one that threatens to consume her very essence. His desires seep into her thoughts, his memories intertwine with hers, and the line between them blurs with each passing moment. She can feel his presence like a shadow, always lurking, always watching. The Ancient One's power is insidious, a slow-burning poison that erodes her sense of self. I know what she is feeling, because I can feel it. I don't know if the others can or not. "We must act quickly," I said. "The bond between you and the Ancient One grows stronger by the minute. If we don't find a way to sever it, you might be lost to us forever." I can’t lose her, and I won’t. If we can’t free her of him, maybe we can strengthen our tether to her so much that it weakens his.
Avery nods, her red and blonde hair cascading over her shoulders as she turns to face us. Cassius, Clint, and Conner stand close, their faces etched with worry. She can see the fear in their eyes, the fear of losing her to the Ancient One's insatiable hunger. I fear it too, but am trying to mask it. I need to be strong for Avery. "I won't let that happen," she says, her voice steady despite the turmoil within. "I'll find a way to break the bond. I have to."
Cassius steps forward, his blue eyes locking with hers. "Be careful, Avery. The Ancient One's power is not to be trifled with. One wrong move, and you could be trapped forever."
She knows he's right, but the thought of being consumed by the Ancient One is too terrifying to bear. She has to take the risk, and I wish she wouldn’t. I wish I could take it for her, but he doesn’t want me as he does her. "I'll be careful," she promises, reaching out to touch his cheek. "I won't let him take me from you."
As she pulls her hand away, a surge of determination fills her. She closes her eyes, focusing on the bond that connects her to the Ancient One. It's like a thread, thin and fragile, but strong enough to hold her captive. She reaches out with her mind, searching for a way to sever it. I see it all through her eyes and stand powerless to help. The room around her fades away as she delves deeper into her consciousness. She finds herself standing in a vast, empty void, the thread of the bond stretching out before her like a tightrope. She takes a step forward, her feet bare against the cold, hard ground. "Break it," she whispers, her voice echoing in the emptiness. "Break the bond." I saw a huge fire and then nothing. Did she do it? Is she free?
**Avery**
As I speak the words, a spark of magic ignites within me. It's a reckless, desperate move, but I had no other choice. I channel my power, focusing it on the thread, and with a sharp, violent motion, I sever it. The void around me erupts in a blast of light and sound, and I am thrown backwards, my body hitting the ground with a jolt. I gasp for breath, my heart racing as I struggle to make sense of what's happening. But as the light fades, I realize that something is wrong. Very wrong. I am not alone in the void.
Standing before me, in a circle, are four figures. Four men, each one a mirror image of my mates. Cassius, Clint, Conner, and James. But they're not my mates. Not exactly. As I look closer, I see that each one is slightly different. Their features are the same, but their eyes hold a depth, a complexity that I have never seen before. And then, with a jolt of realization, I understood.
I am not just seeing them. I am becoming them. The spell I cast to sever the bond with the Ancient One has triggered an unforeseen consequence. Did he anticipate this? Nevertheless, something good must come from this. I am shifting into my mates, one after another, forced to relive their past traumas, confront their deepest insecurities, and experience their most intimate desires.
I start with Cassius, his dominant personality washing over me like a wave. I feel his confidence, his strength, but also his vulnerability, the fear of losing control and losing me that lurks beneath the surface. I see his memories, the internal battles he's fought, the losses he's endured, and the love he has for me. I see just how far we have come and just how much he and Asher regretted treating me. I love them and I am thankful that I forgave them. There is no evil darkness here, only comfort.
As I shift into Clint, I am overwhelmed by his charm, his cunning, and his protective nature. But I also feel his pride, the recklessness that sometimes drives him to make foolish decisions. I experience his past, the tragic loss that fuels his determination to protect me, and the passion that burns within him. He regrets the man he became after his parents died. He regrets so much…so much that I have forgiven him for. I will push my forgiveness to him until he believes it. I love him…all of him.
Conner is next, his reserved, intelligent personality enveloping me like a cloak. I feel his strategic mind, his loyalty, and his deep love for me. But I also sense his trust issues, the difficulty he has in expressing his emotions, and the fear of being betrayed again. He feels as if he was always the last choice in his family and that he was never enough. He only wanted a mate to get the crown, until he discovered that I was his mate. He wanted me not for power, but for love. Love isn’t a weakness, it is a strength, and I will help him see that.
Finally, I shift into James, his dominant, confident personality merging with mine. I feel his strength, his intelligence, and his fierce protectiveness. But I also experienced his arrogance, his struggle with vulnerability, and the fear of losing me. He regrets Typhon marking me so young without informing him until it was too late. He regrets not taking me from that orphanage all of those years ago. He blames himself for everything that has happened since he assumed the throne. He carries such a heavy burden, one that I will help lift.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
