Kamith stepped forward, holding a bloody ribbon.
“What’s that for?” Thalia’s breath spiked. The ribbon was fresh with blood, some of it still dripping onto the ground. This wasn’t part of any marriage ceremony Thalia had ever witnessed.
“This is part of an ancient vow, one taken by our kind,” Lord Damien slithered out. “To be bound by blood and earth to signify a bond stronger than words.”
Kamith gestured for them to raise their joined hands. “It’s calf’s blood. Don’t fret.”
Thalia wanted to retort that she had plenty to fret about as the adviser bound them together, the blood cold and thick against her skin.
“You are bound by blood,” the priest stated.
Thalia stared up at Cassius, ignoring the ache that came on suddenly under her breastbone. They’d once talked about doing this. Speaking a different sort of vow to each other that would bind their souls.
His words had all been lies.
“You are bound by earth,” the priest continued, and the Vampyr with golden eyes stepped forward, tipping over a jar filled with dirt on their bloody hands.
Thalia bit her tongue until copper filled her mouth. Cassius’s nostrils flared slightly, and she could have sworn he tensed as the priest concluded, “You are bound together, two souls entwined. May neither of you forsake the other.” The priest said a few more prayers entreating some forgotten god to watch their union before bowing his head. “It’s done.”
“Not quite,” Lord Damien said. “Our ceremony requires a bit more of a sacrifice.”
Thalia glanced at the Vampyr, unease filling her gut as Kamith asked carefully, “What do you mean?”
“Marriage by proxy is one of the flimsier laws you humans have. However, we of the night believe something is required to be more binding. Something which is given in order for this entwining of souls to be seen as legitimate.”
“Which is what?” Thalia asked sharply.
Lord Damien rested his gaze on her. “Blood.”
Quiet fell in the church, silence like that of a tomb.
“Blood?” Thalia asked slowly. “Aren’t we already bound by it?”
“Yes.” Lord Damien’s eyes glittered like a snake’s as he inclined his head. “But it also must be consumed.”
Thalia jerked but could go nowhere with her hand bound in Cassius’s. “No. Absolutely not.”
Lord Damien’s eyes darkened. “It is customary—”
“For you,” Thalia seethed, her heart rate climbing. “For you monsters who get off on violence and pain.”
Lord Damien smiled, although it didn’t reach his eyes. “It would be wise to uphold our traditions. Wise, also, for this treaty to be seen as legitimate.”
Thalia trembled, and she wasn’t sure if she was shaking from rage or fear. “Drinking his blood will turn me.”
“Only if you’re bitten and then feed,” Lord Damien said, a knife gleaming in his hand. “But to share in this manner will do nothing but fulfill an ancient vow.”
“Thalia.” Her mother’s voice was sharper than the blade held aloft. She would have to do this.
“I don’t believe it will be necessary.” Cassius spoke, his words nearly startling her.
Lord Damien’s eyes flashed. “His Highness will not be pleased to know his bride did not fully complete the ceremony. With nothing tangible to bind her, she will be free to do as she wishes. This treaty could be seen as a farce—”
“The ceremony will be completed by the prince and the prince alone. I don’t wish to take what is his, even if it is tradition.” Cassius’s words were barely audible. “Humans are bound by ink, not us. This treaty is complete.”
Cassius and Lord Damien stared at each other for a moment longer before the latter inclined his head. “Of course.”
Thalia didn’t relax, not as the priest removed the bloody ribbon from her hands, not as she finally stepped away.
