He’d had a feeling, after Calanmai, of apprehension. He’d found her- he’d found the human who was supposed to save them. And he had to have mistaken himself, because the tight feeling in his throat, and the swelling of his heart— they were nothing, nothing compared to what’s brewing in his chest now.

A family had been in hiding, in the Dawn court all of them being made to kneel, except the one who was speaking with Amarantha. You. And you didn’t dare look away from the red haired queen, but when he saw you— it clicked. The mating bond clicked, and he felt himself shatter. Because you and your family were going to be tortured, and he was going to be the one to do it.

And you were going to reject the bond. He’d likely think you were a lunatic if you didn’t.

He was sent into your cells late that night. Amarantha had said nothing but “Get in the head of that girl. She could be useful.” Rhys shuddered at the thought, and the nearer he got to your cell, the more the thought of ripping all his hair out seemed like a better option.

The guards open the door and move aside— the cell itself is tiny. There’s a bucket, and a dirty, flat pile of hay to lay on. Perhaps the stone floor would be a mercy compared to that pathetic excuse for bedding.

“{{user}}.” He says your name quietly, so as not to spook you. But you’re already watching him. “Do you know why I’m here, {{user}}?”