Page 297 of Commanding Blood And Bonds

Seven sisters. You really are as good as they say.

Yes, well. I do try.

Her laughter—radiant, unburdened—fit her perfectly. God, she was beautiful, this witch so full of sunlight. Especially as her eyes crinkled from smiling. I just didn’t expect you to see it so quickly. No one ever has.

Not much experience with psychics?

Apparently not.

May I ask a candid question?

Not like I could say no at this point.

Why do you hide your gift? I hadn’t realized Magnolia wasn’t the only one running from her fate.

She shrugged, one graceful shoulder rising. A soft smile curved her lips. My mother told me fate weavers were worth killing for.

Grief—overwhelming and ancient—poured into the space between us. I leaned back slightly, even as she masked it behind a songbird’s smile.

Unfortunately, her death proved her theory.

I don’t know many, I admitted. But I have a friend to the east. Do you know Jason Westerlund?

I know of the Westerlunds—Nat speaks highly of them.

As do we. You’ve never met?

Not yet.

Smiling, I offered gently, I’ll take you. Jason is kind—and he owes me a favor or two. I’m certain he could show you the ropes.

Literally?

A soft laugh slipped out. I glanced at August, watching from the periphery. Yes. I suppose so, if that’s how you see them.

And how do you see them?

Like film reels in my mind.

Can you change them?

Sometimes. When alternate paths are available.

But you can’t see…Bonds?

I shook my head. Not directly. But it’s not difficult to infer, especially if their futures are intertwined—or if I have intimate access to their thoughts.

My gaze drifted to Aren, then returned. Her smile softened, and she followed my glance before nodding.

Why do you ask?

For a friend, she replied sweetly. His map is a maze. A tangled mess. I was hoping you might help.

My eyes widened. You intend to sever someone’s Bonds?

Is that possible? She rocked slightly, inhaling as she envisioned what had to be hundreds of glimmering threads. A tapestry of golds, blacks, and so many reds.

I don’t know, I said honestly. That’s a question for Jason.