Page 98 of Within the Veil

She says the last part with a stern voice and I smile softly at the motherly tone.

This gift has been kept hidden for several millennia. A tool of the Gods to be used only by the Gods. No human or Fae will reap its benefits. It will protect your mind from outside influence, and when you wield it, you will be able to extend your power beyond the limitations of Tir Ag Nog. It is because of this reason that this should never fall into the hands of your enemy. Forged by Hephaestus, it's craftsmanship cannot be interfered with and is unparalleled in strength when wielded by those true of heart; Those who chose the lightness in their soul, instead of the darkness that can come with access to almost unbridled magical power.

Your heart is as pure as it has ever been, there is no one other than you that I can give this to with absolute assurity of its' intended use. Use this to hone your abilities and discover everything that makes Rhiona of Faell the savior of both Light and Dark Fae. It's time you start using your powers in full Hudson, experiment. The time to use those powers is quickly approaching. Prepare.

The last word was said with a heavier note, as the voice faded away, and a deep shiver worked its way through my spine.

Elodia appears before me, and with an incline of her head and a quirk on her lips, she grabs my hands. "If there is anyone more deserving than you, to receive this gift, I will eat my own wings," she laughs brightly, the laugh tickling through me. So darn cute.

Her eyes go black, and before I can blink, she swipes a claw into the palm of both my hands and hers and turns them so our blood drips onto a long black... branch? I'm bleeding over a fucking branch?

Her voice deepens, each word dripping with raw power,

"Trí fhuil is ceangal, greamaímid ár gcaidreamh,

Cumhacht ár ngréasáin, ag comhoiriúnú i gceart.

Le teagmháil naofa agus fuilbhán an tsaoil,

Seolaimid an gheallúint seo, téann ár n-aigéan lúcháireach.

Draíocht Solas, uaimse chugat,

Do Rhiona ó Fhaell, iarrthaítear duit.

Cosantóir, laoch, banríon bheannaithe,

Leis an gcomhaontú fola seo, líonann ár ndestin."

With every wordspoken and every drop of blood that flows, I gasp as the branch twists and reshapes itself, morphing into a stunning spear. Its surface glistens a rich gold, shimmering with iridescent greens that seem to dance and shift with a life of their own. Much like the desk in the Knowledge Library. At that thought, I look closely as it changes and watch as delicate vives etch their way across the weapon, weaving themselves, not only through an exact copy of the mating marks on my own body but around gems of various colors. Each one gives off its own vibration of power, and I instantly understand that each gem holds a unique purpose, a distinct magic that I can use when needed.

As Elodia speaks her words a second time, a phrase works its way up the shaft,Tha neart a' tighinn bhon taobh a-staighI. 'Strength comes from within.'

I register what she says as her voice floats away, and she stares at me expectantly.

By blood and bond, our destinies entwined,

I merge our strength, a power combined.

With sacred touch and life's crimson flow,

This oath we seal, let our spirits glow.

Draíocht Solas, from me to thee,

To Rhiona of Faell, its charge decree.

Protector, warrior, queen divine,

With this blood pact, our fates align.

Fuck. By pouring both our blood on the spear, she just transferred her protective duty of one of the forbidden ancient weapons, Draíocht Solas, into my care. No, shesealedit to me. But in doing so, she also tied us together since she had formed a bond with it.

"Uh. Um. Thank you?" I say hesitantly, looking into her soft gaze. I'm grateful, but I also just bled all over a spear that is pretty much the weapon version of a soul tampon, I hope it's extra absorbant.

Her laugh jolts me out of my strange, but not unusual, thought spiral. Just as well, I would hate to go off into a tangent about toxic spear syndrome.

"Hudson, you are quite the special person," she chuckles lightly with a shake of her head before her face grows serious. Like Oberon, Elodia can switch everything off in a second, terrifying and comforting at once. There is never any guesswork with either one.

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