Chapter Text
The last time Feyre saw Nesta, they were in the library, with Feyre venting about her feelings for Rhysand. She was talking about how she just didn’t feel complete—like something was missing, but she couldn’t quite figure out what.
“It’s not like I can talk to Rhysand about it. I mean, what am I supposed to say? ‘You aren’t enough’?” Feyre said, frustrated.
Nesta, curled up on the couch next to her with a book in hand, looked deep in thought when something clicked in her mind.
“What if this is a triad mating bond?” she said quietly.
Feyre, never having heard the term before, immediately asked, “A what?”
“A triad mating bond,” Nesta repeated. “I read about it once in a book. It’s when you don’t have just one mate—but two. A trio.”
“You do know not everything that happens in a book is real, right?” Feyre replied dryly.
Nesta rolled her eyes and stood up, scanning the rows of books around them.
“Just read one about it. Maybe something will click. Plus, it’s a good romance.” She winked and plucked a book off a shelf.
At the same time, Rhysand was in the ring, training with his brothers. Both Cassian and Azriel could tell that Rhysand’s mind was elsewhere. His attacks were half-hearted at best.
Growing frustrated, Cassian finally snapped, “What is going on with you, man? Where’s your head these days? It’s like you’re not even trying.”
Azriel, who was practicing with his daggers at the targets behind the ring, looked up. He had already sensed through his shadows that things between Feyre and Rhysand had been tense lately. The arguments—they’d been hard to miss.
Rhysand, not quite sure how to respond, deflected. “What do you mean?”
“You’re constantly somewhere else,” Cassian replied, stepping back. “What’s been happening?”
Rhysand hesitated, rubbing a hand through his hair. He wasn’t sure if saying it aloud would make him sound like a terrible mate.
“Cassian…” he paused. “Things have been... off with Feyre. We’ve been arguing a lot lately.”
Cassian frowned, clearly confused. “But I thought you two were solid. You literally saved each other’s lives.”
“I know,” Rhysand said, voice heavy with frustration. “But it feels like there’s something missing—like we’re not fully connecting. There’s no glue holding us together right now. But I can’t just say that to her. I’d sound like a complete ass.”
Azriel, who had been silently listening, finally spoke in his calm, quiet tone.
“If it’s a mating bond, it won’t just fix itself.”
Rhysand turned sharply, surprised. “You think it could be another bond? A second one?”
Azriel nodded. “It’s possible. Maybe she feels it too—and that’s why the tension’s been building. But it won’t help to stay silent. You can’t read her mind anymore, remember?”
Rhysand let out a slow breath. “You don’t think she’ll be angry if I bring it up?”
Azriel met his gaze evenly. “The one thing that keeps a relationship strong is being honest with your partner.”
Rhysand looked down at the training mat, Azriel’s words sinking in. After a long pause, he nodded.
“You’re right. I’ll talk to her tonight.”
Later that night, Rhysand sat on the couch with Feyre curled beside him, reading the book Nesta had given her. When Rhys caught a glance of the cover, he squinted playfully.
“Did Nesta give you another one of her books again?” he asked, trying to get a better look.
Feyre quickly looked up and shut the book. “Yes. She said it was one of her favourites.” She tucked the book beneath the blanket.
“What’s it about?” Rhysand asked, amused by her sudden secrecy.
“Nothing big, really. Just a typical romance. You know how Nesta is.” Feyre laughed awkwardly, avoiding his gaze.
“With the way you’re trying to make that book disappear, I’d think it was about something way more interesting than just a romance.” Rhys grinned, making a playful grab for the book.
Realizing his intent, Feyre jumped to her feet and headed for the door. “It’s nothing, really. I was just going to return it. It’s not for me.”
Rhysand quickly stood and snatched the book before she could escape. He darted across the room, flipping it to the cover.
“The Triad's Oath,” he read aloud. “Well, that’s a special name for a romance book.” He paused for a moment “Is this about a triad mating bond?”
Feyre, giving up the chase, sighed and blurted, “Listen, I told Nesta about our argument. About how it feels like something’s missing. But it’s not like I could just tell you that.”
Rhysand paused, eyes on hers. “You feel that way too?”
Feyre blinked. “Yes, but… it’s not like a triad mating bond actually exists. Wait— you feel it too?” she asked, her body relaxing slightly, the tension beginning to ease.
“Yes, I wanted to talk to you about it but didn’t know how to bring it up.” Rhysand says relieved.
“So, you can have a third mate. That’s possible?” Feyre ask.
“I’ve heard of a couple of cases here in Velaris,” Rhysand replied. “And I once saw a mate bond with four mates in one of the camps. It’s not entirely uncommon, though it doesn’t happen often.” He smiled at the memory of the happily bonded warriors.
Feyre looked thoughtful, then quietly asked,
“Who do you think they are?”
Rhysand met her gaze, his voice tender.
“Only time can give us that answer.”