A soft chuckle escapes Alaric's perfect lips. "Indeed I am." His ice-blue eyes sweep over our mismatched group, lingering on each of us in turn. "And I must say, your little family is exactly as fascinating as Lirien described."
My hand instinctively moves to my sword hilt. "You know the truth and you're still here?" The words come out sharp, challenging. "Impressive."
Alaric's arm slides around Lirien's waist, pulling her closer. The bond twists with anticipation – I feel it echo through Seth and Kaelor as well. Through our connection, I sense Lirien's mix of pride and nervousness.
"Your lover's summoning spell did more than just call me here," Alaric says, his thumb tracing circles on Lirien's hip. "It broke a curse that's bound me for centuries. I'm forever in her debt."
I watch as Lirien leans into his touch, her green eyes bright with something that looks suspiciously like triumph. The bond reflects her satisfaction.
"And if she wants to be bonded, I wouldn't have it any other way." Alaric's voice carries the smooth confidence of centuries, his ice-blue eyes gleaming with an intensity that makes my skin prickle.
Through our shared connection, I feel the surge of Lirien's joy rippling outward like waves in a pond. The sensation floods my chest, mingling with Seth's cautious interest and Kaelor's protective curiosity. The bond stretches, not painfully, but with an elastic warmth that suggests room for more.
Lirien's gaze darts between us, her silver hair catching the lamplight as she turns. Her lips curl into that familiar smile – the one that first captured my attention on the battlefield. The bond reveals the level of her satisfaction, her love for each of us distinct yet harmonious, like instruments in an orchestra.
I watch her green eyes darken with desire as she looks at each of us in turn. The bond thrums with increased intensity, carrying hints of her growing arousal. My breath catches as her emotions wash over me – over all of us. Seth's tail twitches, Kaelor's fur bristles, and even Alaric's perfect composure slips for a moment.
"Well?" Lirien purrs, her voice thick with promise. The words hang in the air like incense, heady and intoxicating. The bond between us practically sings with anticipation.
A wicked grin breaks out on my face, knowing the bonding ritual is rewarded with heightened pleasure.
She meets my gaze like a seductress. "Shall we?"
