39. Arrival

“How can you be so sure it’s mine?” Jayden asked, his voice edged with disbelief. Swan smiled softly, her voice a gentle whisper, “When you’re marked, you just know.” Her words left him adrift. Nothing about his life lately made sense, so he swallowed his questions and resigned himself to this new mystery. “Are you ready now?” she asked, her smile warm and inviting her hand extended toward him. Jayden hesitated. “Fine, but not like this. If you’re going to help me, do it as an equal, not as a servant. Get up.” He patted the spot beside him on the bed. “Sit with me.” Swan’s gaze met his, her eyes wide with a quiet innocence, and a faint, barely slightest smile touched her lips--barely visible. The gesture was small but enough to reveal her appreciation for his kindness. She nodded but didn’t take the seat next to him. “This needs us to face each other,” she said softly, settling on the bed but in front of him. She extended her hands, waiting. Jayden hesitated briefly before placing his