The journey back to Omala was tense.
Nyssa rode beside Caelan, the weight of the High Priest's warning pressing on her.
"Your bond is rare… but dangerous."
The words haunted her.
She glanced at Caelan. His expression was unreadable, but his grip on the reins was tight. He hadn't spoken much since they left the temple.
Nyssa broke the silence. "You haven't said a word since the ceremony."
Caelan's jaw tensed. "Because I'm thinking."
Nyssa arched a brow. "About what?"
He turned to her, his blue eyes darkening. "About what the priest meant. About who—or what—wants to test our bond."
A chill ran through Nyssa. He was right. This wasn't just about them. Someone was watching. Waiting.
And she had a feeling they wouldn't wait for long.
---
A Dangerous Proposition
By nightfall, they reached the palace.
Nyssa barely had time to change before she was summoned to the council chamber.
The room was filled with nobles, their eyes sharp and curious. King Edric sat at the head, his presence commanding.
Caelan took his place beside his father. Nyssa stood by his side, her heart pounding.
"The High Priest confirmed your bond," the king said, his deep voice echoing. "That is good. But it also presents a risk."
Nyssa frowned. "A risk?"
Lord Cedric, an elder noble, spoke up. "A bond that strong means you are… vulnerable."
Nyssa clenched her fists. "Vulnerable to what?"
The nobles exchanged looks. Finally, the king leaned forward. "To being controlled."
A heavy silence fell over the room.
Caelan's expression darkened. "Explain."
The king sighed. "A soul bond that deep can be manipulated. If the wrong hands seize it, they could turn one of you against the other. Make you betray your own heart."
Nyssa's stomach twisted. "And who would do that?"
The king's eyes hardened. "The Order of the Veil."
Nyssa's blood turned to ice.
She had heard whispers of them before—a secretive, ancient faction that sought to bend fate itself.
And now, they wanted her and Caelan.
---
A Choice of Chain.
After the meeting, Nyssa stormed into her chambers, her mind spinning.
She hated this. She hated being treated like a pawn in some unseen war.
A knock at the door startled her.
Caelan entered, his expression unreadable.
"You're angry," he stated.
Nyssa scoffed. "Of course I am! They act like I'm some tool to be used."
Caelan stepped closer, his gaze sharp. "You're not a tool. But you are important. And that makes you a target."
Nyssa's breath hitched. "Then what do we do?"
Caelan exhaled. "We make sure no one can use our bond against us."
Nyssa's heart pounded. "And how do we do that?"
Caelan's jaw tightened. "By strengthening it ourselves. Willingly."
She swallowed hard. "You mean—?"
Caelan nodded. "We complete the bond. Fully."
Nyssa's chest tightened. This was happening too fast.
But before she could answer, the candlelight in the room flickered—and a voice whispered through the air.
"You do not have time."
Nyssa's blood ran cold.
She and Caelan turned sharply—
But there was no one there.