Lilith POV
Two days after the ritual, Lilith felt different.
Not physically exactly. Though her body was sore in ways that had nothing to do with training and everything to do with what she, Sebastian, and Lucian had done together. What Nicholas had participated in from wherever he existed.
No....the difference was deeper. More fundamental.
Her magic felt stronger. More responsive. Like connecting with Nicholas....like synchronizing all three bonds even briefly, had unlocked something inside her.
Elena noticed it first during morning training.
"Your control has improved dramatically," Elena said, watching as Lilith created and decayed the same object repeatedly without losing focus. "What changed?"
Lilith felt heat rise in her cheeks. "I....connected with Nicholas. Through the bonds. During..." She stopped.
Elena's expression shifted to understanding. "Ah. Intimacy. The bonds were fully engaged and Nicholas was able to participate more completely than usual."
