Bound By Bloodlines

ring through the small window, her heart thudding in her chest. Her mind had been consumed by the thoughts of the i

ice called from outside

e binding. The event that would tie her fate to Dorian, the man who bare

feel the weight of everything pressing down on he

e, their faces as impassive as ever. Behind them, t

servants, a young woman with brown hair tied back neatly,

lp," she mumbled, but the servants didn't listen. They moved around her quickly, and

, my lady," one of the guards

th, but the servants continued their

and black fabric making her feel even more trapped. Every layer they added

n elegant braid, the other servant spoke

e meant to comfort her. But nothing could ease

g back at her was unfamiliar distant. Her usually bright blue ey

cleared his throat.

step behind her, and the servants bowed and followed as well. As they walked

the ceremonial hall, the atmosphere was cold and heavy, just as it had been when she arrived at the stronghold. She could

far end of the r

, but his expression was unreadable. He stood tall, his arms c

Irwin thought bitterly. "Does he ev

n the room. "We gather here to witness the binding of Irwin and Dorian,

from shaking. She stole a glance at him, but he didn't look

lose, yet he f

e building. The weight of the ceremony, the cold indiff

oice whispered, low and bare

ce she entered the hall. She turned her head slightly, her voice quiet but shar

iately, his eyes still

ad expected him to remain aloof, but there was

ervous at all," s

sarcasm. "It must be ni

f a second, his expression hardening even more. "

ke some necessary obligation. Her heart ached, but she refused to let him see

n ha

. Her body tensed, knowing what was coming next. Her hands felt cl

hing there, something beyond the cold mask he always wore. But it w

n touched, it was li