Syndra sat while her mate, Tamsin, King of the Light Elves, paced back and forth across their bedroom. She waited while he considered her words and the implications that came with them.
“So you are telling me, Triktapic, famous assassin and continual thorn in my side, has a Chosen and she is human?” Tamsin eyed his Chosen with raised brows.
Syndra gave a slow nod and continued to let him work through the details. She knew how her mate’s mind worked and knew that it was best to make subtle suggestions but ultimately let him come up with the decision.
“So she is essentially untouchable,” Tamsin thought out loud. “How is it that someone as dark as Trik would possibly be given one so innocent, not to mention young.”
“She is young, but not as young as you think. She has what the humans call an old soul. She has an inner strength that I don’t even think she is aware of.”
Tamsin looked over at his Chosen and wryly smiled. “What of her innocence, my lover?”
Syndra stood and walked slowly to him. She stood inches from him as she looked up into his shimmering eyes. Eyes that never ceased to draw her in and remind her of the love he held for her.
“Trik has held our people, as well as his own, in fear for centuries,” said Syndra. “He is Lorsan’s pet, but I don’t think Lorsan really has control over him, at least not any more. Something is changing; the balance is being tilted in our favor.” She brushed a loose hair out of his face and smiled encouragingly. “Whatever Lorsan has planned, it must be something especially evil—evil enough that the Forest Lords are watching. They only take note if either of our sides are doing something that affects the humans. It is my belief that they have chosen Trik to be the instrument of Lorsan’s downfall. He is not lost, not yet. His Chosen, this Cassie Tate, already holds a deep place in his heart. She will draw him from the dark.”
“And what if he draws her from the light instead?” Tamsin challenged, ever the analytical tactician.
“Then we must beg the Forest Lord’s help,” she responded. You know that our realm cannot survive without the humans. If Lorsan destroys them, he destroys us all.”
Tamsin nodded in acknowledgment. “We must also hope that he does not realize the importance of Cassie’s role. If he suspects that she represents a threat to his power, then he will kill her, regardless of whether she is Trik’s Chosen.”
Tamsin pulled Syndra into his arms pressing his forehead to hers. His love flowed into her. Even after a millennia together his desire and love for her had only grown. He wasn’t ready to end their long life; he wasn’t ready to give up any time with his Chosen, especially not for a Dark Elf King’s selfish desires.