Zurkar's hands shake slightly as he unties the ceremonial rope. The braided leather falls away from our wrists, severing the physical connection but doing nothing to the magical one. That's permanent. Unbreakable short of death.
Mine specifically.
The shaman hands the rope to Kaelen, who receives it with solemn formality. It will hang over our door later—symbol of prosperity and fertility that everyone expects.
"The binding is complete," Zurkar announces, though his voice carries an edge of fury that only I can hear. "Let the clan witness this union blessed by gods and sealed by tradition."
He looks at me. At Serah. His expression clearly saysyou're supposed to kiss her now, you fool.
I turn toward her slowly. She's still not looking at me. Still maintaining that careful emptiness.
"Serah." Her name catches in my throat.
Finally, her eyes meet mine. They're swimming with unshed tears—hurt and anger and something that might be grief, all mixed together in her amber gaze.
I reach for her face with trembling fingers. She doesn't pull away. Doesn't lean in either. Just tolerates my touch as I cup her cheek gently.
"I'm so sorry," I whisper. Too quiet for anyone else to hear over the expectant silence.
She doesn't respond. Her eyes just search mine like she's looking for something she knows she won't find.
I lean down and press my lips to hers. The kiss is supposed to seal the mating—symbolic and public. But it feels like mourning instead of celebration. Like trying to hold water that's already slipped through my fingers.
She doesn't kiss me back. She doesn't fight me either. She just stands there, allowing it to happen while remaining completely detached.
When I pull away, her expression hasn't changed. Still hollow. Still empty.
The assembled warriors roar approval. Weapons clash against shields in traditional celebration. My father steps forward to offer formal congratulations.
And Serah looks like something inside her just died.
The sight nearly breaks me.
There was a time I thought we could have this. That she wanted me the way I wanted her. That the connection between us was real and mutual and worth protecting.
I wasn't trying to trap her. I was trying to save her. Trying to give her safety the only way I knew how in the moment, with warriors circling and time running out.
But I shattered everything instead. Destroyed the fragile trust she'd started extending. Proved that I'm no different from every other male who's hurt her.
The binding magic thrums in my chest—heavy and permanent. It settles deeper with each passing second, weaving itself through my bones until Serah's presence becomes indistinguishable from my own heartbeat.
She'll never know what I did. Never understand the permanent price I just paid. And that's fine. Good, even. This is my burden to carry.
If she must be trapped here because of me, then at least she'll be safe. Protected beyond anything any other orc could offer. Bound to me in ways that ensure I'll feel her pain before she does, that I'll break before she bends.
But it doesn't erase what I've done. Doesn't fix the fundamental betrayal or give her back the choice I stole.
Kaelen claps my shoulder, grinning with forced enthusiasm. "Well done, brother."
I manage a nod. Can't speak yet. The magic is still settling, sending aftershocks through my system.
Lola approaches Serah with a gentle smile. "Come on. We need to prepare for the reception."
Serah lets herself be guided away. She doesn't look back. Doesn't acknowledge me at all as she disappears up the carved steps with Lola supporting her elbow.
The assembled warriors begin dispersing, heading toward the reception area where food and drink wait. My father lingers, clearly wanting to speak with me. But Zurkar intercepts him smoothly.
"Forgive me, Chieftain, but I need the newly mated male for final blessings." The shaman's voice is perfectly polite but leaves no room for argument.
