45. Everen: A Taste of Blood

Everen reels after Sorin’s departure, shaken by the revelation that Ammil still moves in the world and may stand opposite him in fate. Arcady grounds Everen with breathing and touch, coaxing him from panic to clarity. Acknowledging the stakes, Arcady proposes completing their bond so they face what comes united.

They speak plainly about choice, trust, and pain. Arcady confesses love; Everen returns it. With eyes open and heart forward, they seal the bond through shared blood and magic, a pure note confirming balance. The bond restores Everen’s strength and the promise of his full dragon form.

Everen takes Arcady to the sky. Cloaked by cloud and charm, he transforms fully, invites Arcady to trust, and together they fly beyond the cloud line to the stars and moon. The flight deepens their connection and reminds Everen of freedom and purpose.

Tempted by the leylines pointing toward Nalore Monastery, Everen considers going, but Arcady insists they wait and prepare rather than rush fate. Everen agrees, deferring the mission to the tree.

They return to the forest and, unhurried by pain or siphoned magic, consummate their bond fully. The night becomes a deliberate pause before trials and storms ahead, claimed as theirs alone.