"How long was I out?"
"Two hours." He set down his book. "You severed an artificial bond. That's not exactly easy."
I sat up slowly, taking inventory. My chest felt... empty. Strange. But not bad. Like a wound that had finally stopped bleeding.
"The bond is gone."
"Completely. Katherine checked." He studied me with those ice-blue eyes. "How do you feel?"
"Free." The word came out surprised. "I feel free."
"You look different, too. Your eyes." He moved closer. "They have silver in them now. Permanent."
I touched my face reflexively. "Is that normal?"
"For a seventh-generation daughter who's come into her power? Yes." He smiled slightly. "You're beautiful, by the way. In case you were wondering."
Heat flooded my face. "I wasn't."
"Liar." But his smile was warm, not mocking. "Your w
