Mate.

The word echoed through the three men, a word of finality.

The three of them casted each other looks of uncertainty with intense emotion. Three males having the same mate was unheard of, impossible until it actually happened. This changed everything especially for the female in front of them.

Cassian was the first one to let it slip, “Mate,” he murmured the word on his tongue tasting of disbelief.

Azriel just stood there completely enshrouded in silence, his shadows swirling around his shoulders, even his shadows were unsure what to do with themselves. Azriel never figured he would find a mate let alone sharing one with his closest friends. His mind was reeling with the implication of the bond and what that meant for the four of them.

Rhysand stood still, his mask of cold indifference slipped and he could not master it back up in this specific moment. He desperately wanted to reach for them but instead he tucked his hands tighter in his pockets not wanting to overwhelm her more than she already clearly was.

“Take a moment to breathe,” Rhysand reminded her gently but firmly. Rhysand knew she could feel the bond, and he could feel the intensity of her emotions radiating off of her.