The chance of conceiving with a man who isn’t her fated mate is slim, but if she waits until her fertility is completely gone at forty-five, slim becomes zero. Fae fertility is tricky. While males can impregnate a woman well past his ten thousandth year, the window of time for a woman is miniscule.

Zephina’s choosing a secure family over the love of a lifetime. And that’s her choice to make.

I have to respect it.

I let go of her hand to embrace her in a hug.

“I love you.” My voice gets raspy with emotion, because I don’t know if I’ll ever see her again. “Try to convince Father to let you come along on the trades in the future. Maybe we can meet up.”

When she pulls back, there’s fear and apprehension in her eyes. “I don’t know if we’ll have trades anymore. You do realize when the Night Realm steals you away, the peace between our kingdoms will be no more.”

I hadn’t considered that. Honestly, all I can think about is being with Keryth, consequences be damned. It’s the bond. We can’t fight it.

“I don’t want to start a war,” I whisper.

“Zella,” Zephina says, her voice cracking. “I saw Mother die. I see Father fading more and more every day.” A tear falls down her cheek. “I won’t watch it happen to you, too. You must go.”

Her crying triggers my own, and I swipe at the wet tracks on my face.

“Oh, Phinny.” It’s the nickname I used for her when I was little. Although there’s a seven-year difference between us, it didn’t stop us from becoming close.

Zarid, on the other hand, was twelve when I was born. He was never nice, always playing tricks and teasing us. Growing up has only made him crueler. It’s a shame Zephina wasn’t born first, because she would’ve made a wonderful queen.

“This isn’t your fault.” She peers out the window at the thick fog clouding our vision. “Yes, Father will be angry. Yes, there will be backlash. But the only alternative is your death from heartbreak.” She grips my shoulders as our eyes lock. “Go. Be the leader I know you’re meant to be.”

I sniffle. “I will, I swear it.”

My heart flutters, solidifying my words as a magical promise. An unbreakable oath I have to see through.

Wind blasts this side of the castle, rattling the windows and making the floor tremble.

And I know it’s time.

He’s here.

CHAPTER 2

Keryth

The urgency I feel makes it difficult to hold my powers back. I don’t want to decimate the city. All I want is to retrieve my mate and be on my way.