“We were going all out. She was ferocious and—and brilliant, making all the right moves. So, I pushed harder. But then she tired, and I accidentally sliced her arm. And when she bled…” I take a deep breath. “When she bled, and the scent hit me, I had this knowing wash over me. Laurel is, we’re—Laurel is my mate,” I finally finish in a furious rush of words. They both stare at me, confused. “I swear it’s the truth. We both felt it, both knew what it meant,” I explain, a silent plea in my shaking voice.

“Okay…” Silene says slowly. “And Laurel felt this too?” Her expression is one of studious caution, while Fionn just looks worried.

“Yes. I pushed her to draw my blood too.” I let out a chuff remembering how easy it had been to work Laurel up to fight me. That same satisfaction I’ve felt from the very beginning every time I can get under her skin washes over me briefly before I shut it away and focus on finding her. “And as soon as she scented my blood, she knew.” Fionn now looks suspicious, while Silene’s expression has shifted to unreadable.

“And where is she now?” Silene asks.

“I don’t know!” I growl. “She aerstepped away. She thinks we’re really engaged, even though I’ve told her we don’t want it.” Silene’s jaw drops open, but she lets me continue. “She said she couldn’t take away your chance to be Queen, as if you’re interested in that at all. And she said—” I deflate thinking about those final words she uttered. As much as I want this, as much as it makes complete sense and like everything in my life has finally clicked, she’s right. I’m still her enemy’s son, and this would give him one more thing over her. “She said she doesn’t want to let my father have this connection to her. Another way to make her vulnerable. Then she left.” I’m shaking now, with need or fear or anger, I’m not sure.

“She’ll come back. Just give her time,” Silene says quietly, rubbing my forearm in support. I yank it away from her.

“No!” I roar. “You don’t understand, I need to find her. I know this sounds unbelievable, but I can tell that she’s not okay. I think—I think she’s in danger. She needs me.” The last sentence is a whimper.

Silene and Fionn share a look, and Fionn tags in. “Thorne, brother, if she left, she probably needs some space. Probably needs to process whatever’s going on between you two.”

I growl again and stalk away. “If you won’t help me, then I’ll figure something out myself.” I grab a cloak, resolved to walk outside in the freezing temperatures until I find her.