Page 35 of Something Worth Keeping
“How does the bond work biologically?” Julian asked, addressing Silas. “Cillian mentioned he could feel my distress earlier. Is that an emotional connection or something more tangible?”
Silas’s eyes lit up behind his glasses. “Ooh, you want the clinical explanation.”
“I always want the clinical explanation.”
“Silas, don’t traumatize him,” Thorn warned.
“I won’t be traumatized by biological facts,” Julian said. “I have a degree in archival science. I understand research methodology.”
“The bond operates on multiple levels,” Silas began, clearly delighted to have a willing audience. “Emotionally, you’ll begin experiencing shadow-resonance - an awareness of Cillian’s presence and emotional state. Physically, your biorhythms will synchronize over time. Heart rate, sleep cycles, and circadian patterns. Psychically…”
“There’s no scientific evidence for psychic phenomena,” Julian interrupted.
Silas’s smile showed too many teeth. “There’s no scientific evidence for shadow-beings who consume human corruption either, yet here we are.”
Cillian loved how Julian always seemed to tilt his head slightlysideways as he considered differing viewpoints. “Fair point. Continue.”
“The psychic component manifests as emotional transference. Cillian will feel your fear, pain, and pleasure. You’ll feel his protective instincts as a physical presence. The shadows themselves will respond to your emotional state.”
“Like how they rearranged my bookshelf by emotional resonance?”
Cillian winced. “I did apologize for that.”
“I wasn’t upset by it. I think they were bored, and it didn’t take me long to put the books back again.” Julian didn’t sound angry, more amused. “They are already proving to be very responsive.”
Rook made a strangled noise. “He’s perfect. Cillian, if you don’t keep him, can I have him?”
Cillian’s shadows manifested claws. “No!”
“Yep, as possessive as fuck,” Rook observed cheerfully.
“I’m not a possession to be traded,” Julian said. “I’m a person making autonomous decisions about my living situation based on threat assessment and personal preference.”
“And your personal preference is?” Thorn asked.
Julian looked at Cillian. “Staying here. At least until the Vane situation is resolved.” He paused. “Possibly longer, depending on variables I haven’t finished calculating.”
The relief that flooded through Cillian was almost painful. “You’re sure?”
“I wouldn’t say it if I wasn’t sure. That would be inefficient.” Julian hopped down from the counter, coffee in hand. “Now, someone should explainthe ward specifications and defensive capabilities. I need to understand the security parameters.”
“I can do that,” Silas offered. “I designed most of the suppression systems.”
“Perfect. Also, I’ll need internet access and a workspace with adequate lighting. And eventually food, though I understand you don’t eat.” Julian glanced at Cillian. “Do you have accommodations for human nutritional requirements?”
“We have a fully stocked kitchen,” Thorn said. “Rook stress-bakes.”
“I stress-cook that includes baking,” Rook confirmed. “Currently, there are three types of bread, chocolate croissants, and something I’m calling shadow cookies on the go, but before you get excited about the cookies, they’re just regular cookies made with very dark chocolate.”
Julian’s expression brightened fractionally. “Acceptable.”
“He’s staying in my quarters,” Cillian said, daring his brothers to argue. “On the third level.”
“Naturally,” Thorn said. “We’ve already prepared the adjacent room in case he prefers separate sleeping arrangements.”
“I haven’t decided yet,” Julian said. “I need more data about guardian sleep patterns and whether Cillian snores.”
“I don’t snore.”
