"You," I respond, my voice steady yet filled with emotion. "Only you. “His eyes soften for a moment, the harsh lines of his face relaxing as he leans in, his breath warm against my ear.

His thumb traces a gentle line over my pulse, where my heartbeat races under his touch. "I belong to you," he asserts, his declaration not of submission but of equal commitment. “And don’t you fucking forget it,” he whispers, his tone both a command and a vow.

The elder's voice booms through the chamber, deep and resonant, carrying the weight of centuries. His eyes, glowing faintly in the dim light, fix on Dagon and me as he commands the final ritual to seal our bond.

“Approach,” he instructs, motioning us closer to the altar that stands covered in relics and symbols of ancient power. The stones beneath our feet whisper of old, forgotten magics as we step forward, hand in hand, facing each other with the elder between us.

“Now,” the elder continues, his voice echoing off the stone walls, “you must speak the words to each other, words that will bind your souls. Declare your bond, your promises, and your dominion over each other.”

Dagon's eyes never leave mine, his gaze intense and unyielding. He takes a deep breath, and when he speaks, his voice is a soft growl filled with unspoken promises and dark, thrilling secrets.

“Callista,” he begins, his hand coming up to gently cup my cheek, his thumb caressing the skin there. “I take you as mine. You are the chaos that matches my own, the fire that fuels my darkness. I vow to protect you, to dominate you, and to cherish the power you surrender to me. You are mine, as I am yours, bound by blood and soul.”

The intensity of his words sends a shiver through me, echoing the depth of our bond. I reach up, my hand finding his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath my palm.

“Dagon,” I reply, my voice steady despite the storm of emotions whirling within me. “I accept your vow. I give myself to you, not out of weakness, but from the strength of my own will. You are the darkness I choose. I vow to stand by you, to challenge you, and to submit to the reign you hold over me. Together, we are bound.”

The elder nods solemnly as he observes our exchange, his eyes gleaming with ancient wisdom. “With these vows, you bind yourselves not only to each other but to the fate you will share. Whatever may come, remember this moment, the words spoken, the promises made.”

He then turns to the gathered witnesses, raising his arms high. “I now pronounce you bonded mates.”

As his words settle over us, Dagon leans in, his hand moving from my cheek to wrap gently around my neck, his grip firm but affectionate. His lips meet mine in a kiss that seals our vows, a perfect melding of power and surrender. The room erupts around us, the cheers of demons celebrating our union. All I can feel, all I can know, is Dagon my demon, my mate, my chosen darkness.