ALICIA
I could feel the bonds of both Eric and Aurelian a little melo now that I have spent some time with them. As for the two others, Broderick and Ethan, their bonds still tugged at me with active impatience. I closed my eyes and whispered the name of my next companion for the day.
“Broderick.”
The response was immediate. Not a rush, not a flare, just movement.
I felt it through the bond, his sudden stillness, then the decisive turn of his attention toward me. The ache sharpened, not painfully, but with purpose, like something long dormant lifting its head.
Moments later, I heard him. Heavy footsteps on stone. Unhurried and respectful.
When I opened my eyes, he stood at the edge of the courtyard, tall and broad-shouldered, his dark hair threaded with silver, his expression careful
