The Siren's fate

Capítulo 6

The Mate Bond, as spoken of in the ancient lore, is a profound and mystical connection, forged by the very threads of fate, binding two souls in a union that cannot be severed by time nor by force. It is said that this bond is written in the stars and carved into the depths of the ocean, a destiny woven long before the two souls draw breath.

When the Mate Bond is awakened, it manifests as a powerful and inescapable force, drawing the two together with an attraction so intense that it transcends mere desire. It is not only the physical form that is stirred, but the very essence of their beings—each heart, mind, and spirit intertwined, as though they have been part of one another since the dawn of creation. The bond grants them an intimacy beyond the reach of mortals, a connection so deep that they feel the other's emotions, hear the unspoken words of their soul, and know, without question, that their fates are one.

In the sacred texts, it is written that the Mate Bond reveals itself through signs both seen and unseen—whether through the pull of the heart, the whisper of a dream, or the surge of magic that courses through their veins. Such a bond influences all it touches, shaping the choices and actions of those bound by it, oftentimes beyond the control of their will. Those so entwined may find that their destinies are no longer their own, as the bond drives them toward one another, even when the path is fraught with peril.

Thus, the Mate Bond is both a blessing and a burden, a gift bestowed by the divine hand of fate, yet fraught with the weight of inevitability. It is said that to resist it is to resist the very forces of the cosmos, for such a bond, once awakened, cannot be undone.

***

Iryen

The waters felt colder than usual, or maybe it was just my nerves. The heavy stone walls of the council meeting room, ancient and lined with the tapestries of Aetheria's past rulers, seemed to close in on me, making breathing hard. My grandmother, Queen Nerina, sat on the opulent throne, her regal posture as commanding as ever. But today, her gaze felt heavier, more critical, and the weight of her stare made my stomach twist in knots.

I would have to report my findings and let them assume I had searched his mind, allowing them to believe he was just human. But that isn't true. I didn't search his mind, and I can't confirm that he is human when I know for a fact he's a hybrid. But I won't tell them that.

I don't mind lying to the council. I've done it before—strategic half-truths and omissions to protect Aetheria from their narrow view of the world. But lying to my grandmother? That pains me more than I can bear. She raised me to be a protector of our people, a leader, and I've always tried to live up to her expectations. But how could I tell her the truth without implicating her and jeopardizing her credibility?

"Iryen," she began, her voice sharp and unwavering, cutting through the hushed murmurs of the council. "The council would like to hear your findings regarding the human."

I swallowed, trying to keep my face composed, but inside, I was a tangle of emotions—fear, frustration, dread. My eyes flickered to Elora and Sienna, standing silently by my side. I silently thanked them for their loyalty, for keeping the truth about Adrian to themselves.

"He's not a hybrid," I lied, my voice steady but hollow, devoid of any hint of the turmoil within.

Thalor's voice, nasal and dripping with venom, pierced the air. "How can you be sure?" His words held the same mocking challenge they always did, his eyes gleaming with an insufferable arrogance that made my blood boil. He relished every opportunity to undermine me, always testing my authority

I hate you. I'll take your title, I vowed silently. One day, the thought simmering beneath my calm facade.

"I'm sure," I snapped, letting my irritation slip just enough to sting him. "Unlike you, I'm capable enough to handle this. I searched his mind. He is human." The sarcasm dripped from my voice, and I could see Thalor stiffen, his jaw clenching. Good. Let him fume.