Page 121 of The Sorcerer of Shadowholde

“What do we do?” Verian asked, eager as ever.

His voice carried the same urgency that Vita felt tingling her skin.

“Well, the official ceremony must take place on the first day of spring. Ironic, yes, the celebration of new life, but I suppose it makes sense, in a way. Or the vampire forefathers just had a sense of humor.” Renatus paused, glancing between the two of them. “But I suppose we could make an exchange… as a promise for the formal ceremony to come. I need you both to lay down.”

Vita’s pulse quickened as she leaned back, the ground meeting her with its chilly embrace. She interlaced her fingers with Verian’s, Renatus crawling over them with a genuine grin, red eyes glimmering.

“My beautiful darlings,” he whispered, placing an icy palm on Vita’s cheek, then Verian’s. “We will exchange our blood, just as we will do in the spring. A pledge for the future.Ourfuture.”

Her heart was like a drum in her chest, thumping with force as Renatus crouched over her. He gripped her chin, exposing her neck, and a moment later there were fangs sinking into her tender flesh, warmth spreading through her entire body, replacing the chill of the night.

He didn’t drink from her for long, but enough to make her dizzy with love, with desire, with affection, with all the emotions whirling through her, tears dotting her eyes.

Pulling away, Renatus turned his attention to Verian, pressing a hard kiss to his lips, exchanging Vita’s blood. Her wound dripped onto the cold ground, but she hardly noticed, her eyes glued to Renatus as he moved to Verian’s neck and plunged his fangs into smooth skin.

Lightness filled her chest, and he returned to her, filling her mouth with Verian’s sweet, sticky blood. She stifled the jubilant tears, his tongue running against her lips, his fingers brushing her chin.

Vita gasped as their lips separated, Renatus not sparing a moment before tearing into the skin at his wrist. He held it out for them and, without hesitation, they pressed their mouths to the wound, blood mixing between them as it dripped down their throats.

After a few blissful moments, Renatus tugged his wrist from their grasp, a daze of euphoria clouding her. He pressed the flat of his tongue to each of their wounds before doing the same to himself. With a final kiss on both of their lips, he slumped down next to Vita, squeezing her between himself and Verian.

Her lids were getting heavy, even with the chill of the night, but before they closed completely, a flash darted across the dark sky.

“A shooting star…” she murmured.

“The Gods smile on our union,” Verian said, and emotion welled in her throat.

“So it seems.” Renatus’ voice was low, warm, full of life.

Happy.

The seasons cycled, and life was good.

Uneralia arrived, the first day of spring, green dotting the landscape as early roses bloomed. The floral sweetness scented thenight air, the cool breeze tickling Vita’s bare skin. A celebration of the goddess of love and prosperity, the perfect day to devote themselves to each other.

A crown of blood red roses sat upon her head, raven waves falling down her back like a waterfall. She wore a white dress, sleeveless and high waisted, the gossamer fabric spilling to the ground in swells.

Renatus and Verian flanked her on either side wearing traditional togas, the complex draping of blue and white fabric highlighting their lithe frames.

The three of them stood underneath a twisted arch, vining roses wrapping their tendrils around the braided wood. They were surrounded by their friends, Aurora and Petran each holding a flaming torch, Drusus cradling a bowl of water in his arms. Renatus’ thralls stood behind them, hands pressed together in prayer.

Vita’s heart and mind raced, a flood of emotions close to overwhelming her, though pure unadulterated joy was the most prevalent. Renatus and Verian took her hands, and they formed a triangle, united as one for their wedding ceremony. She cleared her throat before speaking the words she’d spent days memorizing.

“I, Vita Quirinius, take you, Renatus Pollux and Verian Corvinus, as my partners in this sacred bond.

With blood coursing through our veins, we pledge to share our joys and our sorrows. Our hearts beat as one, fueled by the fire of passion and devotion. Just as flames dance through the night, our love burns brightly. As water quenches our thirst, we vow to nourish each other’s spirits.

With this oath, we intertwine our destinies, forever bound by the elements that surround us.

May our union be blessed by the enduring power of blood, the warmth of fire, and the fluidity of water.”

They repeated the oath, first Renatus, and then Verian, a swell of bliss enveloping her.

When the words were done, they exchanged blood, Renatus slashing marks on each of their palms with a silver dagger encrustedwith red glimmering jewels. The three drank from each other, sealing the rite of union, if not in the eyes of Shadowholde law, then in their hearts, which was all that mattered.

Renatus closed their wounds with the flat of his tongue, a pinch of arousal already throbbing in Vita’s core.

Thatwould have to wait until later.

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