Page 31 of Killian
“My fine people, we have another matebond to celebrate this fine night,” Kaedan stated loudly and grinned as people cheered. “This is no ordinary matebond. Aloisa the Dwyer will bind her soul with Clara the Dwyer.”
A woman screamed, and Kaedan snorted as Saura ran to them. The markings on her skin in true form had shifted to antique silver after she handed her title to her youngest son, and being a Grand Sage suited her just as much as her former role. She and T’Eirick were devoted to The Council and everyone in it.
“Clara the Dwyer,” Saura said reverently. “I am ever so pleased to meet you.”
“No one has introduced you,” Kaedan muttered. His mother raised an eyebrow at her son, and he put on his best innocent expression.
Around them, people had already created a circle around the scepters as was tradition for united souls.
“Yes, yes, time for that later,” Saura retorted. Then she turned to the crowd. “Lift your voices, my people, and show the joy in your hearts for Fate’s blessing upon Aloisa the Dwyer and Clara the Dwyer.”
“We need an athame.” Aloisa grimaced.
“My mother wished for a daughter, and Fate brought you and Killian into our lives,” Kaedan said, plucking a ceremonial dagger out of thin air. “It seems only fitting you would use the Leolinnia athame.”
“My thanks,” Aloisa replied softly, unshed tears in her eyes. There was no athame in Killian and Aloisa’s family any longer. Their parents had used savagery to gain their titles, and neither Killian nor Aloisa wanted anything to do with the people who’d once drunk the blood of their predecessors to ensure they gained their titles. “Will you make the cuts, Killian?”
“It would be my honor,” Killian said, taking the athame from Kaedan. The Grand Warlock filled the air with drums, and mages added instruments of wind. Saura led the people in a beautiful chorus of chanting as Killian carefully made a cut in the palms of Clara and Aloisa. They held hands as their souls twisted together, and Killian had to fight his urge to heal their wounds.
Pain was important in the binding; the sting of it was a reminder to never forget the gift Fate had granted them. For sorcerers, the burn did not last long, and it would not leave a scar. Aloisa pressed her mouth to Clara’s in a soft kiss as Killian lifted his voice to join the others, and they sang of love, joy, and togetherness.
As the song ended, Saura cut the couple a second time, and Aloisa whispered, “Our blood has spilled, and our spirits have bonded. We ask Fate to grant us a mark from left shoulder to elbow so the world may bear witness we belong only to each other.”
Killian grinned as a gorgeous floral design in an array of pinks and vivid green appeared on the arms of both women.
“You will find joy or Fate will find Killian and I most displeased with her,” Saura said as Aloisa and Clara embraced.
Movement out of the corner of Killian’s eye had him turning as the gatherers cheered, and he lifted a brow at Kaedan. “Where did you get that pudding?”
Kaedan shoved it in his mouth with a shrug.
“Imagine being the most powerful warlock alive and using your gifts for nothing but ensuring you have a sweet whenever you want,” Saura griped.
Holding out a hand to Aloisa and Clara, Killian grinned at the happy pair. “Come, we will grow some fruits and dine together.”
“If you will allow it, I would join you,” Saura said.
“It would not be a celebration without you,” Aloisa replied. “Someone must fill my dear Clara’s head with all my good deeds.”
“Killian and I will take turns, and we welcome learning all we can of you, Clara,” Saura commented. “Kaedan, go find something to do more worthy of your time than eating sweets.”
“I will seek Renny, surely he has any manner of things on his mind that need doing,” Kaedan muttered and stalked off.
“At least he leaves us with lovely music to enjoy as we converse,” Saura said.
“Aye, it was kind of him,” Killian replied. “We will need wine for our meal; let us grab some and spend the rest of the evening celebrating this wonderful night.”
“Thank you for your welcome,” Clara said. “I still feel as if I am in a dream.”
“I feel much the same as you,” Aloisa responded, sharing a smile with her mate.
Once, Killian had wished to share tender moments with the other half of his soul too. Instead, he was paired with a dragon who clearly found him wanting.
Chapter 12
Several weeks later
Castle Draconis
