Page 32 of Enchanting the Elf
I pause to check if Florence is still following and she nods for me to continue.
“This bond is called a fated bond. The good news is that it is not permanent.”
Florence’s eyes widen and her hand stills on the cat. It lets out a feeble meow and Florence starts stroking down its back again.
“It’s not permanent? That’s good news, right?” She tilts her head and the soft light makes her look almost… angelic.
I place one hand on my lap and flex my fingers, forcing my magic to retreat so I can focus on explaining the challenging situation we are in.
“Yes. I believe so. However, I cannot establish any kind of timeline for when it will dissolve.”
“It’ll just naturally go away?”
“For us, I believe so. Yes.”
“Why for us? Not for the others?”
I take another large sip of my coffee, savoring the taste while I contemplate my wording.
“As I was saying, this is called a fated bond. The critical aspect to this bond is that it gives you choice. If one choosesnotto pursue a romantic relationship, the bond will dissolve after an undetermined amount of time, the distance limit will be erased, and we can return to our lives as if nothing happened. I believe the marking will also fade at that time.”
“Not that you’d ever want to pursue anything romantic with me, I know that, but what would it mean if you did?” Florence asks neutrally. I don’t know how I feel about that.Did I expect her to sound disappointed?
Florence’s direct question catches me off guard since she is usually more reserved about expressing herself. However, it reflects the thought I almost dared to entertain for a fraction of a second last night before refocusing on dissolving it. I run a finger along the edge of my shirt collar and shove away the heavy weight in my chest.
“I believe that if we were tochooseto pursue a relationship, grow genuine feelings for each other, and make a consciouschoiceto be together, then the fated bond will become a mate bond.”
“And a mate bond is…”
“Permanent. Stronger than marriage. It will connect our souls together. For different species it would manifest in different ways.”
“How would it manifest for you?”
Why does she ask such interesting questions? Why does she not merely focus on herself and how to get home?
“I believe my magic could be amplified, but I could also be wrong. I do not plan on finding out.”
Florence swallows hard. “And for Sadie and Everett?”
Again, she chooses to think of others and not herself.
When does she put her own needs first?
“I believe his vampiric traits have surfaced. Each species returns a little more to their basest beings. Their inherent proclivities come to the fore. Some of the phone calls I have received through the night have confirmed this.”
“Are there others also experiencing what Everett and Sadie are?”
My shoulders slump and I let out a long sigh.
“Yes. And it is even more complex. In two other cases, partners have been added to the bond. But I can say their bonds were amplified because of physical contact. Be it purposeful or accidental.”
“I have so many questions right now. Bear with me, please.”
I nod for her to continue.
“So, the physical contact thing is serious? That exacerbates the bond?”
“Yes. Physical contact will make the bond grow stronger. It is my belief, based on what was reported to me and from what I read, that the urge to be close to your partner becomes intense and perhaps even uncomfortable.”
