Melly took a deep breath, forcing her racing heart to steady. Arkins' gaze lingered on her, something unreadable flickering behind his golden eyes.
Selene, still smirking, leaned against the doorway. "Alright, lovebirds. As much as I'd love to watch your romance unfold, Grandma Portia wants to see you both. Something about a 'proper introduction.'"
Melly tensed at the reminder of their earlier conversation. Was she ready to be one of them? To be bound to Arkins by more than just feelings?
Arkins must have sensed her unease because his hand brushed against hers, grounding her. "We should go," he said, his voice softer now. "Grandma doesn't like to be kept waiting."
Melly nodded, following them back into the grand halls of the estate.
The vampire city had been a revelation—hidden beneath layers of magic and secrecy. And now, standing in the heart of Arkins' lineage, Melly felt an unfamiliar weight settling in her chest.
As they entered the room where Grandma Portia sat waiting, the old woman's piercing gaze locked onto Melly.
"You seem troubled, child."
Melly straightened. "I'm just... processing everything."
Portia nodded knowingly. "It is a lot to take in. But let me be clear—our kind does not waver when it comes to commitment." Her eyes glowed faintly in the dim light. "If you choose to stand by Arkins, you must accept the consequences. Our world is bound by blood and loyalty."
Melly swallowed hard. "And if I don't?"
Selene snorted. "Then you better prepare for a very complicated relationship."
Portia shot her a sharp look before returning her attention to Melly. "You must understand, child—being with Arkins is not just about love. It is about unity, about survival. If you accept him, you accept us. Forever."
Arkins' hand tightened slightly around Melly's. "She doesn't have to decide right now," he said firmly.
Portia studied him for a moment before sighing. "Very well. But know this, Melly—fate does not wait for the hesitant."
The weight of her words settled deep in Melly's bones.
Did she love Arkins? Yes.
Was she ready to become part of his world? That... she wasn't so sure about.
But as Arkins squeezed her hand reassuringly, she realized one thing—whatever came next, she wouldn't face it alone.
Melly took a shaky breath, her heart pounding in her chest. She glanced at Arkins, whose golden eyes were filled with an emotion she couldn't quite place—hope, fear, something in between.
She turned back to Grandma Portia, whose piercing gaze seemed to see right through her.
"I…" Melly hesitated for only a second before lifting her chin. "I accept."
A flicker of approval crossed Portia's features. "You understand what this means?"
Melly nodded, squeezing Arkins' hand. "I do. If I'm going to stand beside Arkins, I won't do it half-heartedly. I'll be one of you."
A slow smile spread across Portia's lips. "Good." She gestured for Melly to step forward. "Then let it be known that from this day forward, you are bound to our kind—not just by love, but by fate."
Melly felt the weight of the words settle over her, but instead of fear, a strange sense of belonging washed over her. She wasn't just fighting for revenge anymore. She wasn't alone in this war.
Arkins stepped closer, his hand now fully entwined with hers. "Are you sure about this?" His voice was low, only for her.
Melly looked into his eyes and nodded. "I've never been more sure of anything."
Portia's eyes gleamed with something ancient as she raised her hand. "Then we shall begin the binding ceremony."
Selene let out a low whistle. "Oh, this is about to get interesting."
Melly braced herself.
There was no turning back now.
The air inside the ancient chamber thickened with power as Grandma Portia motioned for Melly and Arkins to step forward. The room was dimly lit by floating lanterns, their soft glow casting eerie shadows against the stone walls.
Selene and the others stood back, watching in anticipation. Ezra and Zyren whispered among themselves, but their expressions were unreadable.
Melly swallowed hard. This is it.
Portia extended her hand, a silver dagger appearing in her palm as if summoned by magic. "The bond between you is more than love. It is an eternal tie—a promise sealed in blood."
Melly felt Arkins squeeze her hand reassuringly. She met his gaze, searching for any sign of doubt, but there was none.
Portia held out the dagger. "Each of you must make an offering."
Arkins was the first to step forward. He took the dagger, rolling up his sleeve before making a precise cut across his palm. Dark crimson blood welled up, shimmering unnaturally in the dim light.
Melly's pulse quickened as he turned to her, holding out the dagger.
She hesitated for only a second before taking it. The blade was cool against her skin. With a steady breath, she pressed the tip to her palm, dragging it across just as Arkins had. A sharp sting followed, but she barely registered it.
Portia nodded approvingly. "Now, join hands."
Melly and Arkins pressed their bleeding palms together. A strange warmth spread through her, followed by a powerful pulse of energy.
A golden glow erupted where their blood mingled, swirling like liquid fire. Symbols she didn't recognize appeared along her skin, pulsing with an ancient force.
Melly gasped as a wave of emotions crashed over her—Arkins' memories, his pain, his love, his unwavering devotion. She felt everything.
Arkins inhaled sharply, his grip tightening. "Melly… I can feel you."
Portia's voice echoed around them. "From this moment forth, you are bound not just by heart, but by soul. Your strength is shared. Your burdens are no longer yours alone."
The golden glow flared brighter, then faded, leaving behind only warmth and an unshakable connection between them.
Melly blinked up at Arkins. He looked different somehow—not in appearance, but in presence.
She could sense him now.
His heartbeat. His emotions.
And he could sense hers.
Selene clapped her hands together, breaking the heavy silence. "Well, that was dramatic."
Melly exhaled shakily, still adjusting to the strange new energy within her. She wasn't just herself anymore. She was more.
Arkins smiled at her, brushing a thumb over her palm where the wound had already healed. "You're mine now," he murmured.
Melly smirked, tilting her head. "And you're mine."
Portia stepped back, satisfied. "The bond is sealed. You are now truly one of us."
But just as Melly started to relax, a sudden gust of cold wind swept through the chamber. The lanterns flickered wildly.
Ezra stiffened. "Did anyone else feel that?"
Zyren's expression darkened. "Something's coming."
Melly's newfound connection to Arkins buzzed with unease. She could feel it too.
Something—or someone—was approaching.
And whatever it was… it wasn't friendly.
A chilling wind swept through the chamber, carrying the scent of something dark and ancient. The floating lanterns flickered violently before extinguishing all at once, plunging the room into shadows.
A slow, deliberate clapping echoed through the silence.
Melly turned sharply, her body tensing as a figure emerged from the darkness.
She was tall, with striking crimson eyes and raven-black hair cascading over her shoulders. A deep, knowing smirk played on her lips. Draped in a dark velvet cloak, she moved with the effortless grace of someone who knew they were feared.
"Morganna," Arkins breathed, his voice edged with something Melly couldn't quite place—shock? Guilt?
The woman's smirk widened. "You remember me." Her gaze flicked to Melly, sharp and assessing. "And this must be the girl I've heard so much about."
Melly's fists clenched at her sides. She didn't like the way Morganna was looking at her—like she was an obstacle, an inconvenience.
Selene muttered under her breath. "Well, this just got interesting."
Morganna stepped closer, her presence suffocating. "I heard you were back, Arkins," she purred. "Imagine my surprise when I learned you've been keeping yourself busy." Her eyes flickered with something dangerous. "Very busy."
Arkins straightened, his expression hardening. "Morganna, this isn't the time—"
She cut him off with a bitter laugh. "Oh, but it is." Her gaze darkened. "I came to claim what was always mine."
Melly narrowed her eyes. "Excuse me?"
Morganna tilted her head, her smirk never faltering. "Arkins and I have unfinished business."
Melly's heart pounded. A slow rage built in her chest, but she kept her expression neutral. "Funny. I don't recall him mentioning you."
That seemed to amuse Morganna. "Oh, sweetheart." She took another step closer, her voice a taunting whisper. "Arkins and I go way back."
Melly didn't flinch. She met Morganna's gaze head-on. "Good for you. But he's with me now."
Morganna's smile faded. "We'll see about that."
Arkins exhaled sharply, stepping between them. "Enough." His voice was firm, commanding. "Morganna, whatever we had is in the past. I've moved on."
Morganna's eyes flickered with fury. "You were supposed to be mine," she hissed.
Portia cleared her throat, her voice cutting through the tension. "You have no claim over him, Morganna. The bond between Arkins and Melly is sealed."
Morganna's lips curled in disgust. "A binding ceremony?" Her eyes snapped back to Melly, filled with contempt. "You really think that makes you his equal? You're nothing but a human playing with powers beyond your control."
Melly didn't react. She wouldn't give Morganna the satisfaction. Instead, she smiled—a slow, dangerous smile. "Try me."
Morganna's jaw clenched. "Careful, little girl. You have no idea who you're challenging."
Arkins' body tensed beside Melly, his protective stance clear. "Morganna, don't do this."
Morganna's expression darkened. "I loved you, Arkins," she said, her voice low with something almost like heartbreak. Then, just as quickly, the emotion vanished, replaced by cold resolve. "And if I can't have you… I'll make sure no one else does."
With that, she turned on her heel and vanished into the shadows, her presence lingering like a curse.
The room was silent for a long moment.
Selene finally let out a low whistle. "Well. That was dramatic."
Melly exhaled, still feeling the weight of Morganna's words. This wasn't over.
Arkins turned to her, his eyes filled with worry. "Melly—"
She held up a hand. "Don't. We'll deal with her when she comes back."
Because deep down, she knew the truth.
Morganna would come back.
And when she did, Melly would be ready.