Page 61 of Surrendered to Mate

The Priestess raises a basin of water, its surface shimmering with an otherworldly light. "We call upon Akeldama, our creator and guide, to bless this union."

I watch as the Priestess hands Faye a ceremonial blade, its silver edge glinting in the soft light. My muscles tense involuntarily, every instinct screaming to protect her from harm. But I force myself to remain still, reminding myself that this is part of the ritual.

Faye's eyes meet mine, a flicker of determination in their depths. She doesn't hesitate as she draws the blade across her palm, her face betraying no pain. Dark, rich blood wells up from the cut, dripping into the shimmering water below.

The Priestess turns to me, offering the blade. I take it, my fingers brushing against Faye's as I do. Without breaking eye contact with her, I slice my own palm, letting my blood join hers in the basin.

We watch as our blood swirls together, tendrils of crimson dancing in the water. But they never mix, never sink, the blood and magic floating on top of the water.

The Priestess leans forward, her ancient eyes studying the patterns intently. After a moment that feels like an eternity, she straightens, a rare smile gracing her features.

"Akeldama has blessed this union," she announces, her voice ringing out through the chamber. A collective sigh of relief ripples through the crowd.

The Priestess turns back to us, her expression solemn once more. "As two of vrakken blood, you will now perform the blood bond."

I feel a surge of gratitude that I Changed Faye before this moment. Without her transformation, this sacred part of the ritual would be impossible. As it is, I can barely contain my excitement at the thought of sharing this intimate connection with her.

I gently pull Faye closer, her eyes meeting mine with a mix of nervous energy and eager anticipation. The warmth of her body radiates through me as I take her wounded hand in mine. Our blood mingles, a physical representation of the bond we're about to forge. I bring her hand to my lips, savoring the moment before I drink.

As her blood flows into me, I'm hit with a rush of sensations. The familiar taste of her essence floods my senses, but there's something different this time. It's richer, deeper, more complex. I can taste the change in her, the vrakken blood now coursing through her veins. It's intoxicating, and I have to force myself to stop.

When it's Faye's turn, I can see the fleeting hesitation in her eyes. But then determination takes over, and she brings my hand to her mouth. I watch, mesmerized, as she drinks. It's a sight I never thought I'd see, yet it feels so right. She looks natural, as if she was always meant for this. My pretty girl, now truly mine.

The Priestess's chanting fills the air around us, her magic palpable as it swirls and dances. I can feel it working, weaving our lives together in intricate patterns I'm only beginning to comprehend. It's both terrifying and exhilarating, knowing that from this moment on, Faye and I will be bound in ways I've never experienced before.

As the blood ritual reaches its crescendo, an overwhelming surge of energy rips through me. Fuck, it's intense - nothing in my centuries of existence could have prepared me for this. A warmth ignites in my core, spreading outward like wildfire until it consumes every part of me. I gasp, my grip on Faye tightening instinctively.

I've never felt so connected to another being. It's as if Faye's very essence has become a part of me, her presence a constant hum in the back of my mind. I can sense her emotions, her thoughts just at the edge of my consciousness. It's overwhelming, intoxicating, and absolutely perfect.

Our eyes lock, and I see the same wonder reflected in her gaze. She feels it too, this newfound connection between us. It's more than just physical; it's a binding of our very souls.

The Priestess's voice cuts through the haze of sensation, her words ringing out clear and strong. "By the power vested in me by Akeldama and the Council, I now pronounce you mated. May your union bring strength to our people and joy to your lives."

A ripple of approval runs through the gathered crowd, but I barely notice. My entire world has narrowed down to Faye, standing before me, her eyes shining with an emotion I can now feel echoing through our bond.

I lean in, drawn to her like a moth to flame. Our lips meet, and it's like coming home. The kiss is soft at first, a gentle exploration of this new reality we've created together. But as the connection between us flares to life, the kiss deepens, becoming more passionate, more urgent.

I pour everything I feel for her into that kiss - my admiration for her strength, my gratitude for the way she's changed my life, and a depth of love I never thought myself capable of feeling. Through our new bond, I can sense her responding in kind, her emotions washing over me in waves of warmth and affection.

When we finally part, breathless and grinning, the chamber erupts in cheers and applause. But for me, there's only Faye, her hand clasped tightly in mine, our futures now irrevocably linked.

30

FAYE

Cassius carries me into our room, his strong arms wrapped securely around me. The celebration still echoes in my ears, but all I can focus on is him.

His scent fills my nostrils, igniting a hunger deep within me. I've spent all night stealing glances at him, admiring how the soft light caught the angles of his face, the broad expanse of his shoulders. Now, finally alone, I can't wait any longer.

He sets me down gently, my body sliding against his until my feet touch the cool stone floor. I reach up, my fingers brushing against the silky strands of his hair as I pull him closer.

Our lips meet in a soft, tender kiss that quickly turns frantic. His hands, strong and sure, grip my waist, pulling me against him. I can feel his desire, his need, mirroring my own. It's intoxicating, this dance of ours, a rhythm that only we know.

His fingers find the hem of my dress, the red fabric that had clung to my curves all night, teasing him, tempting him. He slides it up, his touch leaving a trail of fire on my skin.

I raise my arms, allowing him to pull the dress off, leaving me standing there in nothing but my underwear. His eyes, dark and intense, roam over my body, taking in every inch of me. I canfeel his gaze, like a physical touch, and it sends shivers down my spine.

"Cassius," I whisper, my voice barely audible. "I want you."

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