Archer

I lingered beneath the shade of the old oak long after Maria left, rolling her startling revelation over in my mind.

"Great!" I mumbled and clutch my hand.

Maria and Alex recognized their bond as fated mates. The news left me at war inside, bitterness vying against joy in a familiar inner struggle.

Part of me acknowledged this development was only natural, a bright spirit like Maria's calling to the best in my brooding kin. Their union would introduce much-needed light into our scarred family line. I should welcome this glad tidings without reservation.

But shadows clouded the moment, whispers that I had lost my one untainted chance in...