Bringing the cup to my lips, the aroma of sweet blood filled my nose. Tipping the chalice back, I let every red drop flow through me as I emptied it.
I had never tasted anything as good as this. It flowed through me, touching every single part of my body. My shadows sang, and my head felt like I was floating. Magic rushed through me, and my skin tingled as the Binding took effect.
I handed Ciro the empty chalice, and he placed it on the table. Putting his hands on our shoulders, he murmured under his breath once more.
The tang of magic in the air grew stronger, and I knew the Binding was well underway.
Two were becoming one.
Bound together through eternity.
Never to come undone.
Ciro spoke in that strange language, and I stared at him as a flash of purple light burst from his palms. The magic formed thin ribbons, creating a rope that ran from my wrist to Luna’s. He chanted, and the ribbons tightened around our flesh. They were nearing the point of pain when, suddenly, the magic disappeared in a flash.
In its place, an intricate black swirling tattoo formed a permanent bracelet on my wrist. As thick as three fingers put together, there was no mistaking what this was. Everyone who saw us would know we had been Bound.
“Is it done?” Luna asked in a strange voice. Swaying back and forth, her brown eyes were wide as a tremor ran through her. “Are we done?”
I glanced at Ciro, and he nodded.
“We’re done,” I said
“Good.” Then, Luna’s eyes rolled into the back of her head, and she fainted.