Soulbound (The Return of the Elves Book 1)

by Bethany Adams

  Lyr pointed up, and she noticed the walls stretched unbroken to a distant ceiling on the side of the tree where they stood. Well, her father’s room explained why her view had been blocked on the other side. Arlyn glanced down at the low, stone altar, bare of everything but a handful of flowers and its own adornment. The whorls carved into the gray rock reminded her so strongly of the Veil that her stomach pitched.

  “We’d better go,” Lyr said, pulling her attention back to him. “Your teacher should be here any moment. If I’m not mistaken, she might even be a little late.”

  He frowned at the water clock when they’d made their way back around. Her teacher was late. Arlyn hid a smile as they stopped before the large, stone arch. At least she hadn’t made the first mistake in etiquette. Her gaze slid back to the tree as water dripped the time behind her. “So do you worship the tree, too? Eradisel?”

  Lyr shook his head. “More of a reverence. Or communion. Our worship is for Dorenal and the other eight gods of Arneen. It was because of the Nine that our ancestors settled in this place. According to legend, the first queen of Moranaia heard Their call from within the Veil.”

  His explanation was cut off by the light that flared from the portal, then settled to reveal an elven woman and a boy standing in a small stone chamber. Arlyn blinked at the plainness of the room; the woman was supposed to be from a noble house, so Arlyn had expected a place as elaborate as Braelyn. But they were dressed in elegant clothing, the elder in a long, delicately embroidered linen gown and the boy in a deep purple tunic and trousers, so maybe such rooms were normal.

  Then the pair stepped through and the light flared once more, ending the view and Arlyn’s contemplation. The light faded with one last glint against the other woman’s honey blond hair, leaving the arch as empty as before. Arlyn twisted her fingers together against their shaking, the calm Eradisel had provided swept away by the cool, rose-gold face of her new teacher.

  Lyr took one step forward. “May the great God Ayanel bless you as you enter our home.”

  Arlyn struggled to focus on their words as they exchanged pleasantries, then titles. She already knew her teacher’s name, and the exchange of estate news and discussion of the weather were useless to her. She dug a fingernail into her palm, the twinge drawing her from her daze just in time to hear the last one.

  Her teacher gestured to the boy. “And may I present my son, Taian ia’Kelore ai’Flerin ay’mornia Calel i Irenel Baran nai Fiorn.”

  Calel. What was that title? Arlyn was certain she had not studied that one, nor had she read about greeting children. Her heart dropped. She was supposed to go next. “Arlyn. Don’t worry about his title. In a situation like this, just be polite as you acknowledge him.”

  Arlyn relaxed at her father’s mental nudge. Forcing her lips into a slight smile, she began. “I welcome you both to our home. It is a great honor for the House of Dianore to host a teacher. If it pleases you—”

  “Is this the new student?” the boy interrupted.

  “Iren!” The blond elf turned as red as the embroidery on her white robe. “Please, forgive my son. Eleven years old and born to our ways, yet he has not your grace for polite greeting. I suspect we will have difficulty maintaining proper manners around him.”

  “Well, why should I have to stay so formal if we’re going to have classes together? I don’t have to talk to Morick like this.”

  Arlyn shoved down the grin that wanted to break free. “Together?”

  “My father did not ask you about this?” If possible, the lady reddened further. “Iren has just begun his magical studies, and I thought I could teach you at the same time, at least until you surpass him. He is young and lacks discipline so that likely will not take long. If this is not acceptable, please say so. You were supposed to be asked before I was sent.”

  “I spoke to your father, but I do not recall such a question,” Lyr replied. “However, the last couple of days have been hectic to say the least. I apologize if I missed that part.”

  “Oh, I doubt it was your error.” Lady Selia winced. “My father has been trying to get me to return to teaching since Iren turned five. If you do not wish my son’s presence here, I would prefer to know now. I understand that having a child under foot might cause difficulty.”

  “I cannot speak for Arlyn concerning your teaching sessions,” Lyr began. “But Irenel is most certainly welcome here. It is always an honor to have a child in one’s home.”

  The lady shook her head. “Let us hope you still feel that way in a month. He has his father’s rather adventurous spirit.”

  Arlyn did smile then, for she could see the truth in her teacher’s words. Iren fidgeted where he stood, and his gaze darted around the room as though deciding what to explore first. Despite that, his eyes held kindness. He seemed excitable but not mean. And though normally her ego would have objected to taking classes with a child, the arrangement might end up working rather well. With Iren present, she wouldn’t have to worry as much about formality. Her introduction had certainly been easier than expected.

  “I do not mind combining our lessons for a while.” She grinned at the boy. “So long as Iren promises not to make fun of me. I know little about magic, after all.”

  “Why would I do that?” He rolled his eyes. “It’s not like it’s your fault you had to grow up with stupid humans. They can’t even cast a simple fire spell.”

  “Iren!” Selia snapped again. “You will not speak to our host, and your elder, in such a way. Nor will you denigrate an entire race for their differences. The lady Arlyn has human blood herself, in case you have forgotten.”

  “I am sorry for my offense.” Though his face sobered, it was belied by the twinkle in his eyes as he bowed before her. “It was not my intention to insult you, Ayala. Please accept my most humble apologies.”

  Arlyn’s brows rose at the shift in his manners. It seemed he did know how to be polite. And as he smiled winsomely at her, his light brown hair falling around his handsome face, she could see he would soon be causing his mother a different kind of trouble. She did not envy her teacher that.

  “I am not insulted. You see, I know humans aren’t stupid. They may not be able to cast fire spells, but they have created ships to take them into space. People are circling Earth in a space station even as we speak.”

  “Seriously?” His eyes widened. “We can cross the Veil between worlds, but no one I know can actually live above a planet. Maybe I should visit this Earth someday.”

  “Yes, well, you may speak with Ayala Arlyn about her birth world at a later date.” Despite the underlying frustration in her words, Selia looked at her son with love in her eyes. “Myern, the House of Baran would like to thank the House of Dianore for your hospitality. Please tell me at once if I, or my son, cause offense or become an imposition.”

  “I am certain you could never do such a thing,” Lyr responded in a polite tone. “Now, as we wait for my people to finish gathering your belongings from the portal room, would you like to pay homage to Eradisel?”

  “Of course.” Lady Selia’s eyes lit upon the great tree. “Our branch is not blessed enough to host one of the nine, but I have visited Terial, sacred tree of Petoren. It would be good to honor Dorenal, as we have just passed safely through one of her portals. If you will excuse us, we will return in a moment.”

  Lyr nodded, watching the two newcomers until they had passed around the broad tree toward the altar. Then he turned to wink at Arlyn. “You did well. And I think we are lucky. Selia seems much less formal than the other Taians I have met.”

  “She is nice,” Arlyn answered. “I like her son, too. Aren’t elven children rare?”

  “Not quite rare, but not numerous either.” He gazed toward the tree. “I wonder what happened to his father.”

  “Maybe they are no longer together?”

  He shook his head. “Unlikely. Even if they come to dislike each other, elven parents will usually stay together until the child is a few years past sex
ual maturity. Children are precious, and besides, what is a couple of decades when one lives thousands of years?”

  “I suppose.” She shrugged, then grinned over at him. “So are you interested in my teacher? She is quite lovely.”

  “Indeed.” The smile didn’t reach his shadowed eyes. “But no. Perhaps in a couple hundred years or so I can contemplate being with another. No other can compare to your mother.”

  Though connected lightly during their communication, Arlyn could still perceive his sincerity through the bond, and the true tragedy of his loss struck her. Most humans started dating a few years after losing a mate. But centuries? That he would not even consider a casual relationship with someone like Selia took Arlyn aback. It was another example of how truly different he was from how she had so long thought of him.

  Was the soulbond really that special? Could she consider being with someone other than Kai? If she had their bond severed, she would certainly be free to find another. So far, Arlyn had not seen an unattractive elf; in fact, she had encountered quite a few she’d found downright sexy earlier that day. But thinking back, she had not felt anything but friendly interest for any of them, nor had she ever been particularly concerned with human men. Like most women, she had dated on occasion, but unlike her acquaintances, not seriously. Was it because of this bond?

  Had something in her always known?

  “Have I upset you, Arlyn?”

  “What?” She jerked her gaze back to his and realized she had let their conversation drop. “Oh. No, your comment just got me to thinking. This soulbond thing is scary.”

  “A little, yes. But it is worth it. Despite my pain now, I would undo none of the time I spent with your mother.”

  Selia and Iren came back into view, ending Arlyn’s conversation with her father. Her teacher appeared more relaxed despite Iren’s impish grin, and Arlyn wondered if the tree had spoken to them. Or was it simply a result of being near something sacred? The boy didn’t look particularly awed, his expression more of happiness than mischief.

  “You have returned in good time.” Lyr gestured to the staircase on the opposite end of the entry hall. “I received word that your belongings are in your rooms. If you would please follow, we will show you there now.”

  “That would be lovely. Thank you.”

  They trailed behind Lyr as he climbed the stairs. Arlyn’s knees wobbled a bit with each step, her nerves increasing the farther she went. Would they start right away? Could she even learn to use this magic? By the time Lyr stopped at the room across from hers, Arlyn had to force herself not to run.

  Lyr opened the door for Lady Selia. “While I would not normally request you stay in our wing of the house, I have placed you across from my daughter in consideration of the possible instability of her magic. Iren, of course, will have the room between you and my mother. I hope it does not make you uncomfortable to stay so close to those with whom you are unfamiliar.”

  “I do not wish to intrude on your family’s space,” Selia answered with uncertain politeness.

  “If it would be too much of an imposition, I would be happy to have your things moved to a guest tower.”

  Selia looked into the room, a line between her brows. Finally, she nodded. “We would be honored to stay here. You are correct about the need for proximity, at least at first.”

  Lyr inclined his head. “Then we will leave you to prepare for the evening meal. I will return right before sunset to escort you to the dining room.”

  Arlyn’s stomach pitched at that. Another formal meal, and this one with guests? One more thing for her to possibly flub. As her teacher lead Iren to his room, Arlyn prayed to whatever god here might listen. Please don’t let me fail at this. Or, you know, blow something up.

  After leaving her teacher to get settled, Arlyn slipped inside her room, only to freeze when the door clicked shut behind her. Kai stood in the center of the floor, his body moving in a complicated pattern that reminded her of tai chi. Shirtless. Light from the mage globes played across his muscles as he flowed through the moves. Her fingers twitched to follow the glow. Heat flashed through her as her mouth went dry.

  Then her gaze landed on the angry-looking scar on his side.

  “What the hell are you doing?”

  Kai glanced up but didn’t pause as his body shifted to a new position. “Working out the stiffness.”

  She gaped at him. “You were practically dead yesterday. And you think it’s a good idea to work out?”

  “Lial did another session. I have some residual weakness, but nothing major.”

  Even she couldn’t tell if the sound she made was a choke or a laugh. “Nothing major.”

  “You know,” he began, dropping into a low lunge, “if not for the iron, I would have walked away from that wound. Lial is an excellent healer. Stop worrying.”

  How could he say that? She’d knelt in a pool of his blood less than two days ago after he’d linked their souls. And he told her not to worry? Eyes narrowing, Arlyn strode forward. Something in her expression must have finally caught his attention, for he straightened, his hands coming up as though in defense.

  “Why are you so angry?”

  Wrong. Question. Arlyn poked a finger into his chest and glared. “Over and over I’ve heard about the dangers of our new bond. That you could drag me with you if you die. And here you are, risking yourself for fucking exercise.”

  His forehead wrinkled in confusion even as a glint of anger sparked in his eyes. “I’m not risking anything. I’m fine.”

  “I had to hold you up just a few hours ago. You almost passed out.”

  “I only needed another healing session.” Kai’s hand wrapped around her finger. “I’m not ready to go into battle, but I can do this well enough.”

  Arlyn jerked her hand free and pushed at his side. She tried to ignore the rock-hard muscle beneath her fingers as she watched for his wince, but he only stared steadily into her eyes. No sign of pain or discomfort. Her breath shuddered out. “That doesn’t hurt?”

  His lips curved up. “I told you it didn’t.”

  The burn of embarrassment started on her face and worked like wildfire across her skin. What the hell was wrong with her? “I’m sorry.”

  Kai cupped her face with both hands. “What’s really the matter?”

  “I don’t know.” Her heart tripped at the tenderness of his touch. “This day. So much pressure. And whatever this is between us.”

  “It’s my fault.”

  “Yes. And no.” Arlyn gripped the pendant he’d given her. Though it tangled with the one she’d received from her father, she didn’t have to look to know which she’d grabbed. “Maybe I didn’t guess our souls would be bound, but I knew something existed between us even then. And I took the necklace anyway.”

  “Thank you for telling me.” His hands slid down to her shoulders. “You were right earlier. That I don’t really know you. But I’d like to.”

  “You can start by not treating me like a helpless girl.”

  “Girl?” Kai raised an eyebrow. “You are most definitely a woman.”

  “What about earlier, when I sensed the assassin?”

  “You think that was because of your sex?” His grip tightened. “It’s because you were unarmed and untrained, at least as far as I know. Warriors protect, Arlyn. You can’t ask me not to do that.”

  She bit at her bottom lip, and his gaze snapped down to her mouth. His fingers tightened on her shoulders. Arlyn waved a hand in front of his face, drawing his attention back to her eyes. “What?”

  “Gods, it makes me crazy when you do that.”

  Kai’s hands glided up her neck and cradled her face once more. Trembling, Arlyn let him. “Kiss me. Just once. I need to know.”

  He didn’t ask what she meant. Her eyes closed as his mouth brushed against hers. Soft, almost tentative. Then Kai pulled her against him, her body molding to his, and the tenderness was gone. Arlyn gripped his hair, straining closer to the heat exploding between t
hem. As their mouths tangled, as the fire built, her soul sang with it.

  His hands fisted in her tunic, shifting her even closer. She gasped against his mouth as their hearts pounded in a single, frenzied beat. Her hands slid down Kai’s back, and his muscles tensed against her touch. His groan rumbled against her own chest. Just a few touches, and they were both on fire. Her hazy brain tried to remember how far they were from the bed.

  Kai ripped his mouth free and rested his forehead against hers. “I should go.”

  Blinking, she pushed back to meet his eyes. “Huh?”

  “If you don’t want to end up in bed, I need to go,” he answered, his voice rough. “Now.”

  “Oh.”

  Arlyn was tempted. So tempted. Her body burned with need. And if just touching him, kissing him, affected her like this, what would happen if they went further? A shiver tripped through her. For a moment, her fingers tightened against him. Then she forced herself to release him. To step back. She had to think.

  “Where will you go?”

  He rubbed the back of his neck, not quite meeting her eyes. “One of the guest towers.”

  “I’m supposed to be watching you.”

  “Another night of sleep is all I need.” His lips twisted up, though the smile held little humor. “After what just happened, I might have to get Lial to put me under if I hope to rest.”

  Arlyn grimaced. “I shouldn’t have asked.”

  “You can ask me for anything.” Kai looked up, his gaze burning. “Anything. You deserve far more than a single kiss.”

  She almost reached for him as he strode to the door, but the knot of fear in her chest held her back. A soulbond was momentous. Forever. Not something to be decided out of lust. Arlyn made herself stand tall until the door closed behind him. Then she sank into the chair behind the desk and dropped her head into her hands.

  Arlyn had already lifted her hand three times but still hadn’t found the nerve to knock. They’d finished dinner an hour before, and Lady Selia had been nothing but pleasant, telling them stories of her life and training. But, damn, the woman had been a teacher for nearly five hundred years, and that after another half a millennium mastering her skills. Almost a thousand years old—and she was worried enough about Arlyn’s power to stay in the room across the hall.