It can’t beliteral.
“For lifetimes.”Ryc’s words from months ago ring in my head.
Can it?
Eve, wearing a rather dejected look, swings her face to me. “It’s a ritual. One steeped in blood magic,” she says.
My brows furrow. “I thought—”
“It’s the only sanctioned blood magic practice permitted,” Lilith interjects as she levels a withering glare at Eve.
Eve doesn’t notice.
She’s busy inspecting her nails. Or perhaps she’s choosing to ignore Lilith. Either way, Lilith’s glare meant to silence holds no immediate effect upon the fae sitting beside her.
“You’ll give your Sovereign King a piece of your soul,” Eve continues. “You’ll becomesoulbound.” She sneers the last word. She lifts her gaze from her nails to meet mine.
Soulbound?
Lilith heaves an irritated sigh, the crease between her brows deepening. At this point, I’m surprised it’s not a permanent feature anytime she’s within ten feet of Eve.
“It’s anexchange,” Lilith corrects with heavy emphasis as she turns to me. “Ryc will give the same in return.”
Eve scoffs as she pulls a dagger from the leather bandolier across her chest. “I don’t see where I misspoke.” Without concern, she proceeds to pick at the dirt under her nails using the blade tip.
“You’re being entirely too simplistic,” Lilith chides. “I understandand respectyour displeasure with Nektos-chosen mates. Butlet them have this.” She sounds damn near imploring.
Eve’s eyes slide left, meeting Lilith’s.
A muscle tightens in Eve’s jaw and silently she relents with a slight nod.
Lilith heaves a thankful sigh and turns her attention to me. Reaching across the table, she clasps one of my hands in hers.
“The Joining isn’t anything you need to worry about right this instant,” Lilith says, her tone much softer, warmer. “But you need to know it exists. It’s a ritual the council will expect you and Ryc to undergo.”
“Why?”
“Mated pairs are a symbol,” she answers simply, lifting a single shoulder in a shrug. “Proof the gods aren’t as merciless as we believe. Having a Joined pair lead a country… it gives hope to its people.”
My jaw tightens.
Hope.
Joined pairs, a symbol of hope.
A foolish notion.
Eve scoffs—I daresay she shares the notion.
Lilith ignores her.
I swear these two are like milk and vinegar. When mixed, one is always bound to turn sour. Thankfully, it’s never been anything serious.
For now, at least.
“Today, we’re going to focus on the gifting of silver,” she says with a small smile.
“More gifts?” I ask, arching a brow.
