Page 44 of Clash of Sin and Secret

“About completing the ritual to become the Vasari Sacred Squire? Yes, I’m ready to move forward.”

Jack looks to Zane. “The ritual has two parts—the oath, and the blood bond. Is the Diamond Dagger somewhere close at hand?”

Zane shakes his head. “No. The dagger is secured outside the compound.”

Jack nods and sets his attention to me again. “Then we’ll use Francesco’s cinquedea. It’ll do the job.”

I wipe up a little with my workout towel and meet Jack in the middle of the floor. “So, how do we do this?”

My heart pounds against my ribs as he raises the ancient weapon. It’s about eighteen inches long with a triangle blade that ends in a rounded tip. The grip is simple, and its pommel is small. I remember learning about its history as a kid. It’s an Italian dagger from the 1400s.

“Both of you, kneel.” Jack gestures to the mat floor before him.

Zane and I drop to our knees, our shoulders brushing. The contact sends sparks through my skin.

“Are you binding your life essences?”

Before I have time to consider the question, Zane answers. “No. I don’t want that.”

I turn to meet his gaze and I’m not sure if he can see the hurt in my eyes or not, but he sees something and his gaze softens. “If anything happens to me, I want you to live and love and raise our children. Losing both of our fathers was unnecessary. There was never any question that Bran would die to protect my father, and, given the circumstances, it would’ve been better if he hadn’t. Look where it left us.”

I couldn’t argue with that. Still, it stung a little to be rejected.

A gentle hand cups my jaw, and I gaze into his eyes. “I’m not rejecting you, Scots. Not even a little. I just can’t bear to think of your life ending because of me. If we go down in battle, that’s one thing. If it’s just because we’re bound, my answer is no.”

I draw a steadying breath and exhale. “All right. No life bond.”

Jack nods. “Do you, Scotland McCullough, swear to protect and serve the Vasari line with your life, your magic, and your soul?”

“I do.”

“Do you vow to stand as shield and sword, to place the safety of the king above all else?”

“I absolutely do.”

“Then repeat after me: By blood and blade, I bind my life to stand as the Vasari Sacred Squire.”

I repeat the words.

“Through darkness and light, I stand as guardian to the king.”

I repeat the words again.

“As our two lives weave into one, I accept my duty and all things it encompasses.”

I repeat the words one last time.

“Now, hold out your hands.”

I do as I’m told, and Zane does the same beside me. Jack lifts the ancient dagger from its jeweled box and holds it in front of us. “As the blood of the Vasari line bonds you, the honor and duty to serve unites.”

He draws the cutting edge across the flesh of my palm and then Zanes. The two of us clasp hands and let the magic of our bond take hold.

A sharp burn ignites on my forearm where the Vasari mark lies. The pain intensifies as Jack completes the oath, but I don’t flinch. The sensation of the tattoo changing sends shivers down my spine.

As our blood mingles, power surges between us, and the ink of the Vasari mark transforms from black to a rich oxblood red.

When the pain subsides, the bond we share is stronger and we’re undeniably more connected.

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