Bound by Blood

Asher

I still can't believe I'm sitting here with Malise and Aveline. After all these years, their faces had faded from my memory to the point that I could have walked right past them on the street without a second glance. But now, they were here, flesh and blood, filling up the quiet spaces of our stone cave home as if no time had passed at all.

Aveline leans forward, her sharp eyes scanning me like she's taking inventory of what's changed. "Cai and Amara are looking for Kade and Elara too," she says, resting her elbows on her knees. "We've been using the echo charms to keep in touch."

I nod, but before I can say anything, her gaze flickers over my arms, searching. I know exactly what she's looking for—the lingering marks of old wounds, anything that might betray the things I'm not saying. But I shift slightly, forcing her eyes back to mine before she can pry too deeply.

Her lips press into a thin line, but then, as if sensing the weight in the air, she exhales sharply and shakes her head. "They're still their usual selves, though. Kissing strangers, dancing on tables—" she waves a hand dismissively "—making the rest of us look like we're the boring ones."

I huff out a laugh, shaking my head. "Of course they are."

"I swear, if we ever do find Kade and Elara, it'll be because they caught wind of whatever chaos those two are stirring up and decided to scold them for being reckless."

That actually makes me grin, an ache of familiarity settling in my chest. "Sounds about right."

"For all we know, they're halfway through conning some unsuspecting noble out of a fortune right now while Amara distracts them with some grand, dramatic kiss."

That earns a real laugh from me, one that loosens something in my chest. "Please tell me someone's been keeping track of how many times that's worked."

"Oh, I'm sure Cai has a tally somewhere. He'd probably be insufferably proud if he knew you asked."

I chuckle, shaking my head, but the laughter fades too quickly. Because for all her teasing, for all the lightness she tried to inject into the conversation, I can see it in her eyes, her gaze flickers over my arms then, searching, and I know exactly what she's looking for.

"Asher, where's your echo charm?" she asks, frowning when she doesn't see it anywhere on me.

I sigh, rubbing the back of my neck. "Lost it the same year our parents died." The words come out heavier than I intend, dragging old memories to the surface. "Mina and I were on our way back home when we ran into some travelers. We fought them off as best we could, but my powers were still new, and—" I shake my head, exhaling. "Didn't stand much of a chance. They got away with my echo charm and a few other things Mina had on her."

Aveline's expression tightens. Malise, who's been pacing the room, scoffs. "Did they hurt you?"

I shake my head. "Not bad. Mostly just bruises and a bruised ego." I huff a laugh, though there's no real humor in it. "Mina was lucky—her echo charm was hidden beneath her dress, so they didn't see it. Otherwise, we would've lost contact completely."

Aveline nods, understanding the weight of what I'm saying. Malise stops pacing and turns to me, arms crossed. "And what about your father's? Why didn't you get his?"

I hesitate. I don't have an answer—at least, not a good one. "Honestly? I'm not even sure where it is. My best guess is that it burned with him that day. Same as Cai's dad."

Malise presses her lips into a thin line before nodding. "Yeah, that makes sense."

She doesn't push the subject, but Aveline picks up another thread of conversation. "What about the whispering stone? We tried to contact you guys through it, but we never got a response."

I blink at her, confused. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

Malise reaches into her pack and pulls out a small, smooth stone, pressing it into my palm. "This."

The second I see it, my stomach turns. I know this stone. I've seen one exactly like it before—but not here.

I hand it back, jaw tightening. "It's in Mina's shop."

Aveline and Malise exchange looks, their expressions darkening.

That sick feeling in my gut twists deeper. Mina knew they were looking for us. She must have gotten their plea through her echo charm, heard whatever desperate message they had sent through the whispering stone. And yet, she had told me nothing.

Mina has always been protective—always done her best to keep us safe, to make sure we lived a good life. But she's too involved with Malreth to see the bigger picture here.

Still, I know exactly how this is going to play out.

I exhale sharply and push off the couch. "You guys hungry?"

Aveline tilts her head. "You're deflecting."

Malise smirks. "But yes, I could eat."

I lead them further into the cave toward the kitchen, rummaging through supplies before whipping something together. The scent of seared meat and spiced roots fills the air as we settle in at the worn wooden table.

Aveline watches me with amusement, lifting an eyebrow as I plate up the food. "I'm impressed, Asher. Didn't know you could cook."

I smirk. "Survival skills."

She grins. "Cai only knows how to burn things."

Malise snorts. "That's generous. Last time he tried to cook, we had to bury the pan."

I let out a low chuckle. "Please tell me you actually buried it."

Aveline throws her hands up. "What else were we supposed to do with it? The thing was cursed after that."

We all laugh, the years between us melting away, the weight of old wounds momentarily forgotten. It's easy—too easy—to slip back into this rhythm, to pretend like nothing has changed.

But then Malise pushes her plate away and levels me with a look.

"So, Asher," she says, tilting her head. "How exactly do you plan on getting Mina to join us in this?"

I meet her gaze and just smile.

I already have a plan.