Page 139 of Journey to the Elderoak
She let out a giggle. “Really?”
“Oh yes, love. Don’t think I didn’t notice you swinging your hips around.”
Casimir laid her on the bed, looking at her with feral desire. Ava raised her hand. “Wait.”
A look of guilt flashed over Casimir’s face, as if he was preparing to apologize, but Ava interrupted him as she rose and walked to her desk. “One second.”
She opened a drawer and dug around, retrieving the daggerQuinn had gifted her, walked back to Casimir, and handed it over.
“What are you doing?” he whispered.
“I’m ready.”
“Now? Are you sure?”
She stepped closer and placed a hand on his face. “Yes, now. We were going to after the ball and then I was stabbed. The war is brewing fast, I can feel it. We aren’t promised tomorrow. I want to seal the bond as soon as possible. I want to be with you.”
He swallowed. “Alright. Hold out your hand.”
Ava turned her palm face up, heart racing with anticipation. He reverently grabbed her wrist, his own hand trembling as he sliced her skin. She winced and he apologized before cutting his own.
“Ready?” he asked. She nodded.
He placed his hand on hers and pulled her against him, hands clasped against his chest. His free arm wrapped around her waist, and she clutched his neck. The moment their palms flattened against each other, a tingle erupted and worked its way up her arm.
Her vision blurred as she lost herself in his eyes. Molten gold pools full of devotion. Eyes that said everything without him even needing to speak.
As they beheld each other, he recited the prayer, speaking in a language she didn’t understand.
The words were beautiful and poetic. She watched him as he spoke, his voice low and smooth. As he continued, the sensation intensified, spreading through every fiber of her being. The rest of the world disappeared and there was only them. Only here and now.
Goosebumps peppered her skin and Casimir’s eyes widened. They tightened their grip on each other as he finished and everynerve in Ava’s body came alive. It was as if the whole universe held its breath while their souls met, and they both gasped at the sensation. Ava closed her eyes and clutched his hand tighter. They seemed to float in a suspended state, two glimmering threads heading toward each other. They danced around one another as their very essence melded together; souls merging.
A burst of power seemed to flood Ava’s body as her eyes shot open, locking with Casimir’s. Neither of them moved, staying joined as they searched each other’s faces.
“Did you feel that?” he whispered.
“Yes,” she replied, voice shaky. “Is it done?”
“I think so.” He pulled back and released their hands.
The cuts had healed, light pink scars remaining on their palms. But it wasn’t a straight line like a cut; it was a symbol. A small circle with two dots on top of it.
“What is that?” she asked as she traced it.
“The soulbond mark,” he said.
His hand cupped her face, thumb tracing her lips. He leaned closer, their noses touching as he brushed his mouth against hers.
The sensations from the bond had been replaced by something else. Something primal. Lust. Desire.Craving.
“Cas,” she whispered.
At the sound of his name on her lips, the last tether of his restraint broke. One hand clasped the back of her neck as the other clutched her hip and pulled her closer.
He claimed her lips. The kiss was incendiary, immediate warmth pooling in her core. Her hands moved over his chest and ran through his hair, and he released a groan into her mouth, kissing her harder.
The intensity of the bond was so strong, the desire almost unbearable, she couldn’t slow herself. Couldn’t wait any longer. She needed him.
