CHAPTER 26: BOND OF BLOOD AND SPITE

Caedrion stood locked in Aelindria’s gaze.

They were both in total shock, not only from what they’d just seen, but from what they’d just felt.

It wasn’t just visual. It was out-of-body.

When their leylines had merged into one, it was as if their spirits had been ripped free, drawn into a shared astral plane where they danced together in another existence....

Only to return, still intertwined, back into their separate bodies.

And then he heard it.

A voice in the back of his mind. One he’d heard aloud his entire life, but this time it wasn’t spoken.

"Did we... just?"

His attention snapped to his new wife, who quickly averted her gaze.

He didn’t speak aloud, but his thought cracked through the space between them like a whip.

Aelindria, look at me.

She obeyed instantly... and froze when she realized his lips hadn’t moved.

Both turned to their parents, demanding an explanation with nothing but their eyes.

Before either could speak, Malveris answered.

"We figured this might happen... in fact, we’ve been looking forward to it. Rare during a marriage ceremony, but considering how close you two are, in both blood and bond, the odds were high."

Sylene nodded as Aelindria sputtered, her tone outraged and embarrassed all at once.

"End up like what? Why can I hear his thoughts in my head?!"

Sylene began to explain, but Caedrion stopped listening.

The world’s understanding of magic was shallow at best, built on half-tested theories and superstition dressed as scholarship.

Her claim that their spirits had joined into a permanent, unbreakable bond was neither wrong nor entirely right. It was guesswork. Simple as...

What Caedrion did notice was that his mana pool had nearly doubled, as if he could draw directly from Aelindria’s reserves. He suspected the connection ran both ways.

Aelindria, for her part, was far more embarrassed than outraged.

When their leylines merged, it felt as though her very soul had danced with his, merged with his, without warning or preparation.

She hugged her own arm and looked away... until another irritation entirely overtook her.

Caedrion, deep in thought, was already trying to formulate an equation to explain the sudden change in his body and spirit when a sharp glare hit him.

Her voice rang, not in his ears, but in the back of his mind.

Well? What are you so silent for?

That was when Caedrion realized the connection wasn’t total.

He hadn’t heard a word of her private argument with her mother. Not all thoughts were shared, only those sent.

He raised his head, smirking as he pulled her into his arms. His voice softened into a teasing charm meant to soothe her pride.

"What? You saying you don’t want to be my soulmate? Big sister, I think I’m going to cry..."

Her anger evaporated. She tried to peer deeper into his mind and found no words, only warmth. His sentiment was genuine.

She blushed harder, leaning into his chest.

"That’s not what I said... you dummy..."

Sylene and Malveris exchanged silent, approving smiles. The wedding was done. Now came the celebration.

Weddings in House Ferrondel were always private. No outsiders. Not even servants for the feast or cleanup.

And with the house’s numbers reduced to four by millennia of misfortune, the tradition was even more intimate.

Sylene had cooked the meal herself; Malveris set the table to perfection.

The room was empty but for them.

The newlyweds sat in wordless silence, verbally, at least.

It took time before they began exchanging thoughts and images: childhood memories, their adolescence, their triumphs and embarrassments.

No speech, but their shared smiles and glances told the story plainly enough for Malveris to see.

He sighed, remembering the sting of disappointment when his own marriage had lacked this rare bond.

Sylene entered without a sound, pushing a cart of exotic dishes. She leaned close to Malveris, watching the two with soft pride.

"They’ll make a better world together... don’t you think?"

He didn’t answer, simply helped her set the dishes for everyone to take as they pleased. Then he turned to the pair.

"All right, you two, enough fun. Let’s eat as a family."

---

Valerius was mentally breaking. Since his arrival at Dawnhaven, he’d thrown everything into bombarding the city.

Relentless strikes... yet nothing.

Now the blasts didn’t even fully detonate against the barrier, snuffed out mid-burst, as if the air itself devoured them.

Barriers weren’t supposed to run endlessly. During sieges, defenders would spend day and night funneling mana to keep them up.

But through his spyglass, Valerius could see the city watch standing relaxed on the ramparts, loosing arrows through the rustlight shimmer without fear.

Attacking at will. Untouchable.

Madness. Utter madness.

And any day now... she would marry that bastard.

Then she would be lost to him forever.

He had to break the barrier now, not tomorrow, not in weeks, not in years.

Now.

In his tent, mud and trench-grime on the canvas walls, he reached for his wine.

The sip turned into a choke when he heard the voice outside.

"Young Master! A message from House Ferrondel. Addressed to you personally."

Personally? Impossible. They couldn’t know he commanded the Ignarion Host.

He snatched the letter from the messenger, ignoring him as he tore it open.

To the Esteemed Young Master and Heir of House Ignarion,

I trust this letter finds you well and in good health, though perhaps not in good spirits.

It is my distinct pleasure to inform you that, as of this very day, Lady Aelindria and I have been joined in marriage before the eyes of our ancestors and the Architect Himself. The vows were most heartfelt, the union most binding, and the occasion... unforgettable.

You will be relieved to know she was radiant, though I confess I had the best view in the house. One could almost pity those who have admired her from a distance, only to find themselves forever on the outside looking in.

As tradition and nature dictate, we shall, beginning this very night, endeavor to ensure the Ferrondel bloodline thrives for generations to come. I am confident our children will be the pride of our house.

I am certain that you, as a man of noble station, will join me in wishing us every happiness in our shared life, though I understand if the words catch in your throat.

— With all due sincerity,Caedrion Ferrondel

Valerius had never been so enraged.

Flames roared along his hair, his eyes, the glowing ley lines across his flesh.

The letter turned to ash between his fingers.

He stormed out of his tent, barking orders.

"Increase the bombardment! I want that barrier broken this instant!"

The soldiers knew it was impossible, but they obeyed nonetheless.

From his spire balcony, Caedrion lowered his spyglass, having just witnessed the scene in perfect detail.

He turned back toward his bedroom where his wife waited, letting the words drift lazily into the wind.

"What a pathetic cuck."