Page 177 of Fallen Nocturne

Svenn teaching me to fight along with his shadow Coinneach.

Svenn holding me when I cried about the war.

Svenn laughing when Coral knocked him into the mud.

Svenn making love to me and calling me precious.

“You’re my forever,” I’d told him once.

“And you’re mine,” he’d replied. “In this life and in death.”

“No,” I whisper, shaking my head. “No, no, no—”

The bond with Landon had never felt entirely like mine. It always felt like wearing someone else’s skin. Suddenly the golden thread between us snaps.

It doesn’t hurt.

Breaking a mate bond should be agony and tear the soul in half. But this just feels like waking up. It’s like opening my eyes after a long, confusing dream. Because it was never real.

Landon was never my chosen.

Svenn was.

Svenn is.

And I forgot him.

I forgot him.

“I’m sorry,” I sob, pressing my face against Svenn’s cold chest. “I’m so sorry. I forgot you. I forgot us. I forgot our wedding and our promises and everything. I’m so sorry. I’m so, so sorry—”

His body doesn’t respond. Svenn doesn’t move or breathe.

Because he’s gone.

My love… my real, true, only love is gone. I can’t even tell him I remember.

“Svenn… please wake up.”

I can’t tell him I love him. I can’t tell him that every moment we had was precious and perfect.

“I remember,” I whisper against his chest, my tears soaking into his blood-soaked tunic. “I remember everything now. I remember loving you. I remember being loved by you.”

I lift my head, pressing my forehead against his. His skin is so cold.

“I remember our vows,” I continue, my voice breaking. “You promised to love me in darkness and in light. In life and in—”

I stop.

In life and in death.

That’s what he said.

In life and in death.

My hands are shaking as I pull back. As I look around the throne room with new eyes.

Everyone is staring at me. Everyone except Bas. He kneels beside Svenn with his head bowed, mourning the brother he has only just regained.