“Yeah. Back when we all got along, we used to have a big family feast every December. I was fourteen and I remember asking him about how soul mates really worked. He told me that a soul-mate bond does not guarantee love or happiness and that those who find both love and happiness through the bond are the few lucky ones. He told me never to give up on love, to fight for it—regardless of the bond.” For a flashing moment, I saw hurt engraved on Adrian’s expression as he proceeded with the story. “I thought he was referring to Mom, so I asked him if he had to fight for her. He didn’t answer right away, but when he did, he wasn’t looking at Mom. He was staring at Aunt Jane as he said that he was still fighting.”

I was not sure what to say in a situation like this, so I settled on, “Adrian, I’m so sorry.”

He brushed it off as if he didn’t care. I knew he did. “A week later, Uncle Kristov told Nana that they would leave the Court Grounds and live in the outside world. Both he and my father have not been on speaking terms since. I bet on Zeus’s bolt that my father did something.” Adrian gave me a bitter smile. “That was the last time we had a family feast with everyone present.”

“According to Hellenicus law, isn’t the eldest son supposed to live in the family’s mansion?”

“Yeah, but apparently Hellenicus law didn’t stop Uncle Kristov. I think he knew about my dad’s feelings for Aunt Jane for a long time, but something happened at that feast and he was not going to let it continue to drag on.” He turned to look at the Ambrosia mansion in front of us. “That’s my mom’s bedroom.” He pointed at a balcony on the third floor. “She cried for months after that. I could hear her sobbing at night as I walked past her door to my room down the corridor.” Adrian sighed, trying to compose himself. “Sometimes I hate coming back here. This place holds so many memories, some I don’t want to revisit.”

“I’m so sorry.” I knew I should stop saying that, but what else could I say? I gave his arm a gentle squeeze.

“Just another reason why I agreed to help you with this.” He lifted one hand, revealing the library card.

“Damn, so it wasn’t my superb marketing skills!” I joked, trying to lighten the mood. It seemed to work.

“It’s not just because of what happened with me and Marsela. It’s because I know that the bond does not guarantee us happiness.”

“Yeah, and at least if things don’t work out, you don’t have to live the rest of your life hearing every passing thought they have in their mind.”