Page 58 of Chains of Nightshade

"They were private affairs, just the two mates under the stars." My hands work steadily as I speak. "No witnesses needed except the ancient powers themselves."

"Like us now?" There's a hint of excitement in her voice.

I nod, finishing the shelter's frame. "Yes, though traditionally there would be more preparation time."

"We don't need elaborate preparations," Vera says, completing the magical barrier with a flourish. "We just need each other."

The sun sets as we finish our work. I coil my lower body, creating a comfortable space for us both within the shelter. Vera's magic illuminates the interior with a soft glow.

"In the old traditions," I say, taking her hands in mine, "we would exchange vows under the stars."

Vera steps closer, her eyes reflecting the magical light. "Then let's make our vows."

The night embraces us like a lover's touch, stars scattered across the dark canvas above. My serpentine body coils beneath me as I sit across from Vera, our magic intertwining in the air between us. The protective dome I built earlier shields us from prying eyes, though we're already far from any civilization.

"You're beautiful," I whisper, unable to contain my awe. The transformation is striking – gone is the frail slave I first encountered. Before me sits a goddess incarnate, her skin glowing with vitality, her previously limp hair now cascading in thick waves down her back. Even her lips seem fuller, more sensual.

"I can feel your magic," she says, reaching out to trace the scales on my arm. "It's different now. Stronger."

"As is yours." I catch her hand, bringing it to my lips. "You've come into your true power. The Purna blood in your veins has awakened fully."

Her eyes meet mine, and I see the same fierce determination that drew me to her, but now tempered with wisdom and strength. The dark circles that once shadowed her eyes have vanished, leaving only clear, luminous skin in their wake.

"Do you remember," she asks, her fingers trailing down my chest, "when you first came to me in my dreams?"

"I remember thinking you were just a means to an end." My voice catches. "I was a fool."

"You were." She smiles, the expression transforming her face. "But now you're mine."

The magic between us pulses stronger, responding to our emotions. Her hair floats slightly in the magical current, and I reach out to run my fingers through it.

"Are you ready to begin the ceremony?" I ask, my heart racing with anticipation.

I close my eyes, letting the ancient words flow from my lips in a low, rhythmic chant. The syllables feel familiar yet strange after centuries of disuse. My serpentine body coils instinctively, creating a protective circle around us both.

"Take my hand," I whisper between verses. "Let your magic flow freely."

Vera's fingers intertwine with mine, her touch electric. The air around us thickens with power as I continue the chant, my voice growing stronger with each word.

"Bound by blood, bound by soul," I intone in the ancient tongue. "Two paths merge into one."

Magic surges between us, invisible cords of power wrapping around our joined hands. I feel Vera's essence reaching out to mine, her Purna powers unfurling like flower petals in the morning sun.

"I feel you," she breathes, her voice filled with wonder.

The connection deepens as I continue the chant. Her joy floods through our bond, pure and unfiltered, washing away centuries of darkness and pain. My own magic responds, coiling around hers in an intimate dance.

"Open yourself to me," I murmur between verses. "Let the ancient magic bind us."

Her power flows into me like warm honey, sweet and intoxicating. I can feel her heart beating in time with mine, our magical essences becoming impossibly entangled.

"Is this... normal?" she asks, her voice trembling with emotion.

"No," I admit, maintaining the rhythm of the chant. "This is something else entirely."

The ancient magic pulses one final time, then settles into a warm glow around us. I open my eyes to find Vera's gaze already fixed on me, her expression filled with wonder. The frail slave girl I once manipulated is gone, replaced by a powerful witch whose very presence commands respect.

"Your eyes," she whispers, reaching up to touch my face. "They're different now."

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