The Mother sighed and ran a hand through Carina’s hair. “When the Flight was numbered in their fullest, Souls served in bonded pairs.” The Mother crouched to look Carina in the eye. “The Flight is protected through your sacrifice, but they must now straddle the human realm as well. I offered you the human to serve with you, to be your bondmate, but only you can decide if his actions are forgivable.”

“He does not care for me, my Mother.” Carina felt the pain hit ...