Lunaria is lounging in a patch of sunrays that beam down from a window set high in the wall when we enter Laurel’s rooms. The cat raises her head lazily until Admon follows in behind me. She leaps to her feet, and a deep yowl emits from low in her throat.

“Oh, go,” Laurel shoos. The cat holds her ground for another moment before slowly backing from the room, yellow eyes never leaving Admon, who looks deeply uncomfortable by the interaction. “Told you she doesn’t tolerate anyone but Nemesia. Her liking of you is very out of character,” Laurel says with a sly smile.

When we’re all seated, Laurel and I pressed close together on a sofa and her hand in mine, where it always belongs, Admon recounts the information he’s gathered.

“It’s difficult to translate, and I haven’t made out all the characters, but I believe I have enough now to understand the meaning of a story about mates recounted in the tome.” I can practically feel Laurel’s anticipation crawling across my own skin. But she only nods for him to continue. “This story details an unusual mating bond between a male fae and a female witch. At least, that’s the closest translation I can find to the character that describes the female. It seems to be a magical creature that is not fae. Likely just an embellishment to the story, since it’s a book of fables.” Admon seems to become lost in his own thoughts.

“And why is this story of interest?” Laurel prompts, sharp but not unkind.

“Ah yes, well, in the story, the mating bond is described similarly to how you both discussed yours,” Admon continues. “Discovered when blood has been spilled and connected to the magical source of each partner. In the story, the fae and witch must accept the mating bond, and once they do, their aether-heart, as I believe it’s translated, changes to incorporate features of their partner’s aether-heart.”

Laurel is thoughtful, and I wait for her to speak first. What Admon described seems similar to what we’ve experienced. My aether-heart, if that is what it’s called, has changed dramatically. Where once it was immovable, now it whips and roils with a fierce energy that feels like Laurel, despite the cool exterior she so often portrays.

“Does this fable explain how the mates accepted the bond?” Laurel finally asks, expression guarded.