Chapter 36: Chapter 36

“I like Caspian,” Gage informed Flynn and Calian when the three of them were finally alone inside the room. “He’s nice.”

“He’s lonely, though,” Calian pointed out, and even though the sadness was obvious in his tone of voice, his expression remained unchanged. “It will take a very special person to be able to get through to someone like him. I hope that will happen soon. Merfolk and sirens aren’t meant to spend an eternity alone without their mates. It can be painful for them.”

“Painful?” Flynn repeated.

Calian nodded. “Merfolk and sirens need to be bonded to be happy. It’s magically embedded within them. Without their mates, a thousand years after they were born, the loneliness can affect their magic, which will in turn wound them physically or emotionally. Or both. The consequence can be avoided or alleviated by having close friends, but it can’t be cured. Not without being bonded.”

“Damn!” Gage exclaimed. “So glad that I’m not a merman then.”