Three Days Later - Training Grounds
"You're doing it wrong."
Kieran gritted his teeth as Seraphine circled him for the fifth time in ten minutes. He was suspended in semi-energy form, trying to hold the transformation while Rhydian channeled power through their bond.
It was excruciating.
"I'm doing exactly what you said," Kieran managed.
"No, you're forcing it. Moon fae transformation should flow, not fight." Seraphine reached out, her hand hovering near his flickering shoulder. "Here—let me show you."
Rhydian's growl was audible from across the circle.
Seraphine's hand stopped an inch from Kieran's skin. She looked at Rhydian with amused exasperation. "Beast King, I cannot teach him if you snarl every time I demonstrate a technique."
"Find a way to demonstrate without touching," Rhydian said flatly.
"That's not how magic instruction works!"
"Then get creative."
Kieran dropped back to physical form, exhausted and annoyed. "Rhydian, she's trying to help. You're making this impossible."
"I'm making this safe," Rhydian corrected. "We don't know what happens if someone else touches you during transformation. The soul fusion could react badly."
"That's actually a valid concern," Silvara interjected from her observation post. She'd been watching the training dynamics with barely concealed amusement. "Soul fusion is territorial. Physical contact from anyone except the bonded pair during vulnerable moments could trigger defensive responses."
Seraphine crossed her arms. "So what do you suggest? I teach him from across the circle? Wave my hands and hope he understands?"
"Works for me," Rhydian muttered.
"You're impossible."
"I'm protective. There's a difference."
"Is there?" Seraphine turned to Kieran. "How do you tolerate this?"
"Honestly? I find it kind of hot," Kieran admitted.
Seraphine stared. Silvara laughed outright. Rhydian looked smug.
"You're both insane," Seraphine declared. "Fine. We do this the hard way. Kieran, transform again. Rhydian, stand closer. If you're going to be territorial, at least be useful. Channel more power through the bond—I want to see the upper limits."
They resumed training. And this time, when Seraphine gave instructions, she directed them to Rhydian, who then guided Kieran through the bond.
It was awkward. Inefficient. Ridiculous.
It also worked.
With Rhydian actively participating instead of just anchoring, Kieran found his transformations smoother. The soul fusion responded to having both of them engaged, power flowing more naturally.
"Better!" Seraphine called after thirty minutes. "You held energy form for four minutes that time. That's progress."
Kieran shifted back, immediately stumbling. Rhydian caught him, as always.
"You're improving faster than expected," Seraphine admitted. "The soul fusion accelerates everything. At this rate, you might reach Apotheosis in two months instead of three."
"Is that safe?" Rhydian asked.
"No. But neither is waiting for the Sealed Ones to attack at full strength." Seraphine's expression was grim. "We're in a race against time. Fast and dangerous beats slow and dead."
Hard to argue with that logic.
"Break time," Silvara announced. "Kieran needs food and rest. Being jealous burns calories too, Rhydian. Both of you, eat."
Castle Kitchens - Later
They found the kitchens crowded. Apparently word had spread about the "legendary soul fusion couple" and everyone wanted a glimpse.
Kieran tried to ignore the stares as he filled a plate. Tried and failed.
"They're looking at us," he muttered to Rhydian.
"Let them look. We're interesting."
"We're a spectacle."
"Same thing." Rhydian grabbed food with complete unconcern. "Besides, better they stare than try to talk to us. I'm not in the mood for diplomatic niceties."
"When are you ever?"
Before Rhydian could respond, a young fae woman approached. She was pretty—delicate features, emerald eyes, clearly nervous.
"Lord Kieran," she said, bowing. "I just wanted to say—you're an inspiration. Seeing a moon fae rise to power, it gives us all hope."
"Thank you," Kieran said, uncomfortable with the praise. "But I'm not—"
"You're amazing," she interrupted, her eyes shining with admiration. "So brave, so powerful. And you're training to save us all. If there's anything I can do to help—anything at all—please let me know."
The offer seemed innocent. Friendly.
Rhydian clearly disagreed.
His arm slid around Kieran's waist, possessive and obvious. "He has all the help he needs. But thank you for your... enthusiasm."
The dismissal was clear. The young fae woman's face fell, but she nodded and retreated.
"Was that necessary?" Kieran asked once she was gone.
"Yes."
"She was just being nice!"
"She was flirting. There's a difference." Rhydian's grip tightened slightly. "Did you see how she looked at you? Like you were some kind of hero she wanted to get closer to."
"I am helping save the world. That does kind of make me heroic."
"Don't let it go to your head." But Rhydian was smiling despite his words. "Though she's not wrong. You are amazing. And powerful. And—" his voice dropped, "—definitely brave. Possibly insane, but brave."
"High praise from the Beast King."
"I'm selective with my compliments." Rhydian leaned in, his lips brushing Kieran's ear. "But you've earned every one. Even if watching other people realize how incredible you are makes me want to lock you in our chambers where no one else can see you."
Heat coiled in Kieran's stomach. "That's kidnapping."
"It's protective custody. Totally different."
"Is it?"
"In my head, yes." Rhydian pulled back, but his hand remained on Kieran's waist. "Come on. Let's eat somewhere private before I have to territorially claim you in front of the entire kitchen staff."
"You already did that when you grabbed me."
"That was subtle claiming. I can be much more obvious."
Kieran didn't doubt it. And honestly? The possessiveness should have annoyed him. Should have felt suffocating.
Instead, it just made him feel wanted. Desired. Important.
Maybe he was as insane as Rhydian suggested.
They were halfway to the door when Dante intercepted them, grinning wickedly.
"Heard about training this morning," he said. "Seraphine's complaining to anyone who'll listen about overprotective hybrid kings. It's hilarious."
"Glad we're entertaining," Rhydian said dryly.
"Oh, you are. The whole castle is taking bets on how long before you actually attack someone for looking at Kieran wrong." Dante's grin widened. "I've got money on three more days. Lyria thinks you'll last a week. Nikolai's pessimistic—he gives you until tomorrow."
"I'm not attacking anyone," Rhydian said.
"Sure you're not." Dante winked at Kieran. "Better keep him leashed, moon child. The territorial instincts only get worse."
"Speaking from experience?" Kieran asked.
"Oh yeah. When Lyria and I first got together, I nearly ripped the throat out of a vampire who smiled at her." Dante's expression turned sheepish. "Werewolf possessiveness is intense. Can't imagine what hybrid possessiveness is like."
"Imagine that times ten," Rhydian said. "Then add in the soul fusion making me hyperaware of everyone who gets within five feet of him."
"Sounds exhausting."
"It is." But Rhydian looked at Kieran with undisguised affection. "Worth it though."
Through the bond, Kieran felt the absolute sincerity of that statement. Felt how Rhydian wouldn't trade this—the jealousy, the territorial chaos, the constant awareness—for anything.
Because it meant having Kieran. Completely, permanently, irrevocably his.
"You're both disgusting," Dante announced cheerfully. "All that soul bond lovey-dovey energy. Makes me want to gag."
"You're just jealous," Kieran shot back.
"Little bit. Lyria and I have a normal bond. You two have the legendary 'one soul two bodies' thing. It's not fair." But Dante was smiling. "Also, Valdris update—Draven's demons tracked corruption magic to the Western Wastes. Looks like that's where Valdris is building his power base."
The playful atmosphere evaporated instantly.
"Western Wastes?" Rhydian's eyes narrowed. "That's dangerously close to human territories."
"Exactly. If Valdris corrupts enough humans, turns them into his army—" Dante didn't finish the sentence. He didn't need to.
An army of corrupted humans would be devastating. Not just militarily, but politically. The fragile alliances between supernatural species and human kingdoms would shatter.
"How long before he's ready to move?" Kieran asked.
"Draven estimates six weeks. Maybe less." Dante's expression was grim. "Which means you need to hit Apotheosis fast. Because facing a fully awakened Sealed One and his army without it? Suicide."
Six weeks. Less time than they'd hoped.
"Then we train harder," Kieran said. "Push faster. Whatever it takes."
"Kieran—" Rhydian started.
"No arguments. You heard Dante. Six weeks or we're facing an army we can't beat." Kieran met his mate's mismatched eyes. "I know it's dangerous. I know accelerated training could kill me. But you know what's definitely going to kill me? Fighting Valdris at partial power."
Through the bond, he felt Rhydian's fear and reluctant agreement warring with each other.
Finally, Rhydian nodded. "Fine. But we do it together. Every session, every risk, every transformation. I'm right there with you."
"Wouldn't have it any other way."
Dante watched them, something soft in his expression. "You two really are something special, you know that?"
"We're something," Rhydian agreed. "Special might be generous."
"You're soul bonded mates training to achieve joint Apotheosis to fight ancient evil and save the world. That's literally the definition of special." Dante clapped Rhydian on the shoulder. "Try to enjoy it. Between the jealousy and the life-threatening training and the war, at least you have each other."
He left them standing in the hallway, his words echoing.
At least you have each other.
It was true. Despite everything—the danger, the pressure, the rapidly approaching deadline—they had this. The bond. The connection. The absolute certainty that whatever came next, they'd face it together.
"Come on," Rhydian said softly, taking Kieran's hand. "Let's eat. Rest. Prepare for tomorrow."
"Tomorrow we train harder," Kieran said.
"Tomorrow we train harder," Rhydian agreed. "But tonight? Tonight we just exist. Together."
And in a world rapidly heading toward war, that was enough.
Midnight - Their Chambers
Kieran woke to Rhydian thrashing in his sleep.
Nightmares. They'd started three days ago, right after Seraphine's revelation about the soul fusion. Dreams of Kieran dying, of the bond breaking, of being left alone.
"Rhydian." Kieran shook him gently. "Wake up. I'm here."
Rhydian's eyes snapped open—both glowing, both wild with fear. It took him a moment to focus, to recognize where he was.
"Kieran?" His voice was rough.
"Right here. Safe. Alive." Kieran took his hand, placed it over his heart so Rhydian could feel the steady beat. "Feel that? I'm fine."
Slowly, Rhydian's breathing evened out. "Sorry. The dreams—"
"I know. I feel them through the bond." Kieran lay back down, pulling Rhydian with him. "Tell me what you saw."
"You were transforming. Reaching Apotheosis. But something went wrong and you just—" Rhydian's voice cracked, "—dissolved. Disappeared. And I was left holding nothing. Screaming into the void where you used to be."
The raw fear in his mate's voice broke Kieran's heart.
"That's not going to happen," he said firmly.
"You don't know that."
"I do. Because you won't let it happen. The soul fusion means you'll feel if something goes wrong. You'll pull me back, same as always." Kieran turned to face him. "Have I ever failed to come back when you called?"
"No," Rhydian admitted.
"Then trust that. Trust us." Kieran kissed him softly. "I'm not going anywhere without you. Not in this life or any other. We're bound, remember? Forever."
"Forever," Rhydian repeated, like a promise. A prayer.
They lay together in the darkness, hands intertwined, the bond pulsing between them like a second heartbeat.
Outside, the world prepared for war. Valdris built his armies. The Sealed Ones awakened one by one.
But in this moment, in this bed, there were just two souls learning what it meant to be truly inseparable.
And if the cost of that power was fear, jealousy, and nightmares?
They'd pay it gladly.
Because some bonds were worth any price.