He turned on his heel, but Dedryn flung an arm out, snatching him by the elbow. “Gods damnit, Jaren, she’s dead.”

Faster than he’d ever moved before, he spun, throwing his fist out and landing a direct hit to the underside of his father’s jaw.

“You’re lying!” he yelled, cocking his arm back a second time. One hit wasn’t enough. He wanted to pummel him into the ground for even daring to utter the word. His chest rumbled, but before he could make contact again, his arms were yanked down and pinned to his sides.

He bucked, finally barking out the curse he was never supposed to say, but Jaeros just tapped into his strength, turning to steel around his body.

“She’s dead, son,” he whispered, his voice thick and broken. “And I’m so sorry we have to tell you that.” He choked at the end, gripping Jaren harder and burying his face into the back of his hair.

No. They didn’t know what they were talking about. He’d know if she was dead. He’d know.

Closing his eyes, he felt for their bond. It wasn’t mature enough for him to understand her different scents or feel her emotions yet, but it’d still been there. It’d still existed.

He’d been able to feel it even years ago when he’d been Veralie’s age. Feeling her was like breathing—a natural instinct woven within his soul.

He squeezed his eyes tighter and searched harder, seeking that familiar warmth he’d grown accustomed to. The comfort of her that he’d taken for granted.

But it wasn’t there.

Nausea threatened, and his breathing grew ragged. The cold, hollow feeling had him lurching forward, and he gasped, uncaring that Jaeros had released him.

His aitanta. His friend. The female his fathers had teased he’d fall in love with one day. The story on his daggers, the purpose of his training. All of it was supposed to be for her.

And he’d failed.

His legs buckled, and he dropped to the floor, his knees audibly slamming into the stone. The pain was nothing compared to what he felt inside. It was a poison, taking over his soul and rotting it from the inside out.

Someone called his name, but he could no longer hear them past the hatred spewing in his mind. He curled in on himself, digging his nails into his head, and heaved. Again and again.

She was gone.

She was gone, and it was all his fault.

Agony like he’d never known burned through him, spearing out like spikes along his skin as hot tears streamed down his face. He pressed both hands against his chest, trying in vain to keep his heart from shattering as he threw his head back and screamed.

Chapter 1

VERA

Fifteen Years Later

It was impossible to concentrate past the firm ass hovering over her face. The perfectly rounded shape was all she could see, and the temptation to reach out and pinch it was overwhelming. Especially when its owner chose that exact moment to open his giant, annoying mouth.