Nyx spent the morning researching about the bonding. She found Arthur in the library, surrounded by books about hybrids.
"Father." She called him, though calling him father still felt awkward. "Can I ask you something?"
Arthur looked up, surprised.
"Of course."
"Did you and mom bond? I'm talking…about the magical bond between mates?
"No. Humans can't form that kind of bond. We don't have that magical ability. Your mother couldn't bond with me. It was one of her great regrets." He smiled sadly.
"Did it bother you? That you couldn't bond with her even though she wanted it?"
"Everyday." Arthur put down the book he'd been reading. "I knew there was a part of her I could never reach, a part I could never completely understand."
"But you still loved each other."
"Of course, we did. Love doesn't need a magical bond. But…if I'd had the chance to bond with her, to connect with her that deeply, I would have taken it without any hesitation. The bond is a gift, Nyx."
