Dark Empathy by Archibald Bradford (inspiring books for teens TXT) 📕

the trauma will return the moment you leave.” Sadie smiled when she saw Nameless nodding, already having figured that out for himself; “What you can do is enter her mind and perhaps show her that there is nothing to be afraid of. That can be a bit tricky as it depends on the fear, and I’ll admit it isn’t something I’ve done often. Honestly I think your Valkyrie would be a better source of information in this regard!”

He felt a little foolish at that point for not going to Volka first, but decided not to say anything about it.

“It sounds much like how I’ve helped Tenebrae in the past, but I wanted to check in with you to be sure. Thank you Sadie, I’ll talk to Volka. Together I’m sure we can help Juni.”

He finished his tea and stood to leave, but she extended a hand to stop him.

“A moment please, there is actually something I have been wanting to discuss with you since you returned from the wilds, though I’ve struggled with finding the right time to bring it up.”

Surprised, Nameless took his seat again, though he frowned slightly at the pensive expression on Sadie’s face.

“Do you remember once, when we spoke about Xalanth, or rather, Dragons in general? About how they see their bond-mates?”

He took a moment to recall the conversation before nodding, waiting for her to continue.

She took a sip from her cup, her inscrutable eyes watching him as he reflexively reached for his, forgetting for a moment that it was empty.

“Nameless, one of us needs to have children, human children. And I’m afraid that is simply impossible for me.”

His arm froze in the midst of retrieving the cup.

The Dragon loomed large behind her bond-mate as she placed one massive claw on either of the small woman’s shoulders.

“If any human ever tried to spread their seed to my lady...” She growled out before spending a few moments considering something dark and terrible; “I will never allow it, not even to save the world. She is my lady, and no other’s.”

“Right.” Nameless’s words were a bit strained; “So... I n-need to have kids. Why, exactly?”

Sadie patted Xalanth’s clawed hands reassuringly.

“Because, aside from Jonathan, we are very likely the last Empaths. And from what Volka has said, any child you father will have a one in three chance of being born an Empath as well. The world needs more of us Nameless.”

He drew in a shaky breath as he felt the weight of what she was asking of him settle on his shoulders.

“Wow.”

She offered him a sympathetic look.

“I know it is a lot to consider. As I said, I’ve struggled to find the right time to bring it up. There always seems to be more pressing concerns, but that is all the more reason for us to take precautions now.”

There was a serious struggle going on in his head as he strove to keep his emotions in check, not wanting his girls to pick up on the heavy burden the other Empath was laying on their bond-mate, especially after all of the other heavy stuff they had so recently been dealing with.

Then a bit of humour found him.

“So, is there a line of women on the other side of the door or...”

Xalanth let out a rumbling laugh while Sadie grimaced.

“No, I would never be so crass! I just wanted to make sure that you were fully aware of the situation so that you and your family could, ah, ‘take steps’ as it were.” She finished delicately.

“Yeah, steps towards the nearest bedroom.” His fingers fiddled with Volka’s feather in agitation.

Sadie’s cheeks turned a bit pink at his words while Xalanth’s laughter continued.

“It isn’t like that! Nameless please, this is serious!”

“Oh I know. I am fully aware of how serious it is. But I don’t think you are.”

The Dragon’s mirth finally abated and along with her lady she looked to the suddenly dour faced young man.

Sadie lips twisted to one side as her brow furrowed.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean you aren’t the one who has to tell five possessive women that you need to go out and do the deed with who knows how many other women.” He ran his hand through his hair again: “I mean, we sort of just dealt with some stuff with Milly. And she had a hard time accepting Nina at first, and Nina! I have no idea what she will think of this!”

He left out the part about them considering Escrya, deciding that he wasn’t quite ready for anyone else to know.

There was a long silence as he mulled things over, until eventually Sadie shifted forwards in her seat with one eyebrow raised quizzically.

“And, the others?”

He snorted.

“The others are more pragmatic. Ophelia won’t like it, but she’ll understand, Erica will want to watch, if not join in, and Volka has no doubt been thinking the same thing as you since we pulled her out of the desert.”

He stood up abruptly.

“This isn’t something that needs to happen today is it? Because we’re going to need some time. And just to be clear, if any of my bond-mates aren’t okay with this, then neither am I. As Xalanth said, not even to save the world.”

Sadie stood as well, the Dragon’s claws falling from her shoulders.

“Of course, I understand. I won’t bother you with this again, I know how busy you are.”

He gave her a quick nod and turned to leave.

“Oh and Nameless.”

He looked back over his shoulder to see her smiling at him, along with Xalanth.

“I greatly admire you for your choice to join in the fight. Good luck with your training, Aegis.”

Not sure how to respond, he offered a pained smile and an awkward nod before leaving.

Xalanth’s own smile