Page 25 of Merry Cris Moose

Santa stepped forward, holding a ceremonial ribbon of silver and gold, and a candy-cane knife in his other hand. "Well then," Santa said with a grin, "it seems I have a ceremony to perform."

With reverence, Santa made a small cut in Cris’s palm, then in Keely’s. He took the shimmering ribbon and gently bound their hands together, the silver and gold glowing with magic as it wrapped around their joined palms.

"By the magic of Christmas, by the love and joy in your hearts, and all of us who support you, I bind you as mates," Santa said, his voice booming with authority and warmth. "May your bond be as strong as the magic that fuels this place, and may you bring happiness to all who cross your path."

The magic in the room surged as the ribbon tightened, sealing their bond. Keely felt a rush of warmth flood her body, her heart swelling as the magic wrapped around them both. It was as though they had been woven into the very fabric of the North Pole itself, their love and connection now a part of the magic that made this place so special.

Cris pulled her close, his lips brushing hers in a soft, lingering kiss, sealing the vows they had just spoken. Keely melted into him, her heart full, knowing they had not only bound themselves to each other but to something far bigger than both of them.

As the ceremony concluded, the sleigh bells jingled, and it was time. Santa gave a hearty laugh as he patted his red suit. "I’ve got quite the delivery to make tonight," he said, winking at them both. "You’ve created something truly magical."

Cris and Keely smiled as they helped load Santa’s sleigh, the miracle toys glowing with the magic they had infused into them. The air was alive with energy, the North Pole buzzing with anticipation as the reindeer lined up, ready to take off into the night sky.

With the sleigh fully loaded, Santa climbed aboard, giving them a final wave. "Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!" he called as the sleigh rose into the sky, the reindeer pulling it higher until it disappeared into the night.

With their hands still bound, the magic of Christmas and the love between them stronger than ever, Cris and Keely turned, walking hand in hand into the sparkling snow. Their future stretched ahead of them—bright, magical, and full of possibility. They would face whatever came as partners and as mates bound by love and the magic of Christmas.

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