Total pages in book: 138
Estimated words: 132582 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 663(@200wpm)___ 530(@250wpm)___ 442(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 132582 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 663(@200wpm)___ 530(@250wpm)___ 442(@300wpm)
“Your energy is serene.” Alora’s voice slices through my thoughts and I gasp, turning to find her. She’s changed into a sleek, copper night gown. All her jewelry is off, she’s not even wearing lipstick, and she’s still so freaking pretty. It seems so natural for her to be that way, whereas for me, I have to put in the work to make sure I’m somewhat appealing.
“You scared the hell out of me,” I breathe, pressing a hand to my chest. A glass goblet is in my other hand, half-full of wine. The wine here is much stronger and more delicious. Sweet, not too bitter. The perfect combination. And I admit, it’s making me tipsy. “I’m sorry for wandering,” I tell her as she stands next to me. “I couldn’t sleep.”
“Is your bedding not comfortable? If not, I can have that fixed straight away.”
“No, no. It’s not that. The room you gave me is perfect.” And it truly is—overlooking the city, the glittering lights and infinite number of stars in the indigo sky. The bed is comfortable, the feathery duvet plush and cool. I showered in the bathroom before coming down here, which was an experience. Everything I could think of was there, from robes to towels, wash cloths, loofahs. There was even a selection of soaps, perfumes, and lotions to choose from. All of them smelled divine.
“After the shower, I tried lying down, but couldn’t close my eyes,” I go on. “It was weird being in that room, surrounded by so much luxury. Then I remembered I’m not home—that I’m in some other world where everything is new and unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. None of this feels real, and I can’t help thinking I’ve lost my damn mind. That wouldn’t be too far of a stretch to consider, honestly. My mother lost her mind and became suicidal when I was three.” At my last sentence, I cup my mouth and stare at Alora. “Oh my God. Why did I just tell you that?”
“Could be the wine. It has that effect on people. You’re new to it, so perhaps you shouldn’t drink too much more of it tonight.”
“Yeah.” I set the glass down on the nearest surface.
“Do you know why?” she asks.
“Know why what?”
“Your mother lost her mind.”
“Oh.” I rub the tip of my nose, getting rid of an itch. “She kept saying someone was following her—that she had a stalker who wanted to take her children. Her psychiatrists would say it was because she had a hard time conceiving me and my brother. So, when she did get pregnant with us and gave birth, they think she may have suffered a psychotic break.” I shake my head. I hate getting into that topic. It’s one I still can’t fully wrap my head around. I can’t believe I’m even telling Alora about it. It’s not something I discuss much with others.
“And what about your father? Was he around when this happened to her?”
“Yeah. He’s actually still alive, but he’s hard to catch on the phone and he hardly ever visits me, so…”
“So, other than having incapable parents, what’s the matter?” Alora asks, looking into my eyes.
“I just…” I pause. “I guess I realize that I don’t belong in this place.”
“Oh.” Alora presses her lips, mulling it over. “Well, I’d say that’s far from the truth. If anyone doesn’t belong here, it’s Caz and Killian. They’re a couple of brutes, aren’t they? Rowan is decent. I like him very much.”
I laugh at her comments, then sip my wine. “I never thought there would be so much out there. I mean, sure, the world isn’t small, but me being here, in this other universe…it just makes me feel miniscule.”
“Darling, you are far from miniscule. You have the Cold Tether. That’s grand.”
“I don’t even know what a Cold Tether is. What’s so grand about it?” The question comes out laced in sarcasm. “’Cause I can tell you, being forced to hear that psycho man’s thoughts is not a pleasure.”
Alora laughs, then draws in a breath. When she exhales, she tilts her head and wraps a hand around my wrist. She leads me to a rusting gold bench that faces the waterfall and brings me down to sit with her.
“When I was a little girl, I came across a couple who were Cold Tethered. There are many couples who can be Tethered in Vakeeli. Tethers are a common thing, but most are simple, really. It’s no greater than someone claiming that the person is their soulmate. But a Cold Tether…well, it’s similar, but a bit more complicated. It derives from the original Tethered people—the first kind Regals ever made. From what I was told, Cold Tethers are rare and, unlike a regular Tether, your mind and body is instantly drawn to your mate. Doesn’t matter if you’ve never met them or seen them, you’re bound to them, and regardless of where you are, you will find a way to one another.” She pushes a loose tendril of hair behind her ear. “You also feel things simple Tethers don’t feel with each other. I always hear the senses are heightened in every way, and when you’re away from your mate for too long, it comes with great pain and misery. Apparently, it was designed this way to prevent loneliness and for the Cold Tethers to be with each other forever, but I’d say that didn’t age well. Anyway, a simple tethered person can be with whomever they want and live a full life. But not a Cold Tether. They have to be with their mate or else they die.”