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I blink, and energy moves through my body.

“Just like that,” I grit out. “Knowing what I've done.”

“Yes,” she says firmly, and slides her hand to the side of my neck. “You were a child. As painful as it was for your dad, he shouldn’t have abandoned you. Magic is unpredictable and dangerous. He should have known that. You would have never done anything to harm her if it were in your control. What happened to him? Did he ever find you?”

“I don’t believe he ever tried,” I say gruffly, her words piercing my heart. Her easy acceptance is hard to believe. “I have no expectations that he ever will. It’s been too long.”

“I’m sorry, babe.” She gets to her knees, moves to my lap, and straddles me. “It hurts my heart hearing your pain.” She wraps her arms around my neck and hugs me.

I slowly slide my hands around her waist, pause briefly, unsure. She tucks her face against my neck, and I tighten my hands and move them to her back. Unexpectedly, my eyes water. I didn’t want a soul bond. I dreaded it because if I had one, she would turn away from me once she learned of my life. The years have passed, and I should be over the hurt of Dad’s absence. Meeting Savy and reliving my younger years have forced me to confront it.

“I didn’t think I blamed him,” I confess, holding her tighter. “Especially meeting you. Losing your bond is heartbreaking, yet I came from him. I could have lived with his anger. I would have done anything to prove to him my regret and love. If he stayed.”

“I want to go back and protect the little boy who didn’t have anyone on his side.” She kisses my neck. “I would have stayed with you.”

“Fuck, Savy.” I turn my face, inhaling the sun on her hair. “I believe you would have.”

“Have you tried to find him?”

“No. I've been tempted.”

She sits up. “Why haven’t you?”

“He left. He could have found me as well.” I grind my teeth. “I was afraid of his reaction. What if he has another life? What if he still hated me? Or worse, he passed away?”

She cradles my face. “If you ever want to, I’ll help you. We can face whatever comes together.”

“Where did you come from?” I ask, tilting my head.

“I was right under your nose.” She grins.

“I should have come back sooner,” I mumble.

“Fate had a plan. We met when we were supposed to.” She drops her hands to my shoulders. “Will you show me your home?”

“Yeah.” I squeeze her hips and help her stand. Pausing as she stands over me, her body engulfed in sunshine, my heart aches. She isn’t what I expected, yet perhaps the universe knew what it was doing. I need light in my life again.

“Archer?” She holds her hand down, and I grasp it.

Clearing my throat, I join her and lead her toward the house. I feel lighter after baring my soul, and she couldn’t have reacted better. Opening the front door, I let her enter, and I stand in the entryway, watching her explore. There's no judgment for the simple decor. Her expression is genuinely curious. In such a short time, I know her character. We will learn more as the days and weeks pass. My magic tells me she's the one for me and is urging me to tie myself to her until the end of time. In the past, it’s been hard to trust my spells, but in this, I agree.

“It’s not much,” I mention, moving into the living room.

“I like it.” She smiles over her shoulder as she looks in the kitchen. “Do you cook?”

“I do. Margarete taught me.” I chuckle, remembering how many disasters she had to clean up.

“Granny insisted I learn.” She walks toward me, but turns before she reaches me, going toward my bedroom door. “Aria hated the lessons. Bedroom?” She motions with her hand.

“Yes,” I say roughly, staying where I am. After her acceptance of me, I shouldn’t get anywhere near a bed with her beside me.

“Mmm…” She enters the room.

I’ve been ignoring how good her body has felt pressed against mine. I don’t want to pressure her, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want her underneath me.

“Will Aria like it here?” I ask.

“She’ll love it,” she says, and returns to the room.