CHAPTER 122: DATE(1)

There are many kinds of bonds that two beings can form.

Among humans, Vows and Oaths are taken, and the punishment for breaking them depends on the terms of the contract. Naturally, at the time of marriage, very few couples take such Oaths.

But things are very different for beasts—and even more so for dragons.

Dragons can form several types of bonds, and the strength of those bonds determines both the punishment for betrayal and the depth of their connection. The stronger the bond, the more it affects the two bound together—physically, emotionally, and even spiritually.

The weakest bond is the mating mark. When a dragon claims their partner during heat, they leave a mark that binds them as mates. Through this, they can share emotions, fleeting thoughts, and even feel each other’s pain and relief to some extent.

The next stage is the Blood Bond. This bond deepens intimacy between mates. They can actively reach out to one another, their conditions and emotions directly affecting the other. Even their growth becomes linked. That was why Kaelith wanted Hades to form a Blood Bond with his mates—so that as he grew stronger, they would grow with him.

And finally, the ultimate bond: the Soul Bond.

This is the highest form of connection—when two souls merge into one.

....

"How does it feel now?" Luna asked as they sat quietly in the room.

Hades let out a long sigh. "Better. My body’s adjusted enough not to be affected by the air anymore," he replied, leaning back against the headboard. His wounds were still raw, patched up in rough, makeshift ways, but Luna’s gentle healing light was slowly easing the pain.

Across the room, Peri sat with a book in her hands, though she hadn’t turned a page in a while. She had been silent for some time now.

Noticing Hades’s gaze linger on her, Luna spoke softly, almost in a whisper, "She was very worried about you... She often woke in the middle of the night, looking out the window."

Hades nodded, his voice low. "I felt it too..." He didn’t know what more to say. His feelings toward Peri were tangled enough as they were, and now, with the looming talk of a Blood Bond, things only grew heavier.

In truth, he and Peri hadn’t even formed the first step of a bond. The only mark he had ever left on her was during that time Samarella controlled her body—an act that neither of them had chosen.

"Talk to her, Hades. I’ll step out for a while," Luna said, rising to her feet. Before leaving, she glanced at Peri with a gentle smile. "Would you like something sweet to eat?"

Peri blinked, caught off guard by the sudden question. She hesitated, then gave a small, instinctive nod.

With that, Luna slipped out of the room, leaving the two of them alone.

Peri immediately became aware of his presence... and of his state. She would be lying to herself if she claimed his half-bare figure hadn’t affected her until now. But with no one else in the room, the quiet pressed closer, and a wave of heat flushed across her cheeks.

And then, without warning, Hades began to move toward her.

Peri’s heart skipped a beat. She quickly pushed herself up from the chair, panic lacing her voice. "W-What are you trying to do?"

Hades stopped in his tracks, his expression softening. "...I’m sorry if I frightened you. I only wanted to talk."

He reached for his shirt, lifting it in his hands, when Peri blurted out, "Didn’t Luna say you shouldn’t cover your wounds yet?"

Hades gave a small nod but slipped the shirt on anyway. He knew she was uneasy with his bare state, and he didn’t want to make her feel any more uncomfortable.

Dragging a chair closer, he sat down on the far side of the bed and met her eyes. "Can we talk?" he asked gently.

Peri bit her lip, a pang of guilt rising inside her for reacting so sharply.

This man was her mate—the one who, by their very bond, could command her submission at any moment if he wished. Yet never once had he forced his will upon her. Never once had he spoken to her with harshness or cruelty.

Slowly, Peri lowered herself back onto the chair.

Hades let out a quiet sigh before speaking. "I know you’re troubled by what my mother said. But you don’t need to worry, Peri. I would never force a decision on you."

Peri stayed silent. Deep down, she had already known he would say something like that—it was just the kind of man he was.

Leaning back in his chair, Hades continued, his tone calm but firm. "Yes, your growth matters. But that doesn’t mean you’re required to do anything for my sake."

At those words, Peri lifted her gaze to him, her voice faint but trembling with emotion. "But... doesn’t that mean I won’t ever be able to stand by your side?"

The thought weighed heavily on her. With the strength she had now, she would be nothing more than a burden if she tried to follow him. And once the world learned who Hades truly was, she knew she would become his greatest weakness.

"You are my partner, Peri," Hades said firmly. "And that’s something no one can change. So please... take things at your own pace. Don’t force yourself into anything you don’t truly want."

Peri bit her lip, her chest tightening.

He was always like this—so considerate, even though to him, she was little more than a stranger fate had tied to his side. Yet he treated her with respect. He trusted her. He went to such lengths to protect his mates, always placing their safety above his own.

He gave so much of himself... shouldn’t she also try, even just a little, to meet him halfway?

Was it her pride holding her back? Or perhaps some hidden dislike for him?

No... it wasn’t that. It had never been that.

And that was why the words slipped out before she could stop them.

"Can we... go on a date today?"

Hades froze, caught completely off guard. "You... really want to go on a date with me?"

Her face warmed as she lowered her head, her voice barely above a whisper. "Is that... a no?"

Hades’s eyes widened, and panic flashed across his face. "Of course not! Let’s go."

Meanwhile, Luna, who was standing outside the door, smiled in relief.

’Good job, both of you.’

°°°°°°°

A/N:- Thanks for reading. If you are enjoying the work so far, please drop a review