The Council chamber was silent except for the soft crackle of enchanted torches lining the stone walls. Alysia knelt in the center, her wrists bound by glowing magical chains. Around her, the elders of the Cera Clan stood in a half-circle, their faces grave.
Aragos stood behind her, unshackled but looming like a shadow. His presence was a sharp contrast to the sanctity of the chamber, his piercing golden eyes assessing the room with detached amusement.
Elder Viera, the leader of the council, stepped forward, her long silver hair glinting in the firelight. "Alysia," she began, her voice cold and steady, "do you have any idea what you've done?"
Alysia's head hung low, her voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't mean to—"
"Didn't mean to?" Elder Viera's voice rose, sharp as a blade. "You ignored the warnings, ventured into forbidden territory, and woke him." She pointed at Aragos, who smirked in response.
"I didn't know," Alysia protested, her voice trembling. "I didn't realize it was his tomb. I just—"
"You just acted without thinking," Viera interrupted, her tone unforgiving. "Do you understand what he is? What he was meant to remain?"
Aragos chuckled, drawing all eyes to him. "It's nice to feel so appreciated."
"Silence," Viera snapped, her hand glowing with a faint blue light.
Aragos's smirk widened. "Careful, Elder. That little spark won't save you if I decide to break these walls."
Viera's jaw tightened, but she didn't respond. Instead, she turned her attention back to Alysia. "Your recklessness has unleashed a power that could destroy not just our clan, but the entire continent. There must be consequences."
Alysia's heart sank. "Please," she said desperately. "I'll do anything to make this right."
"Anything?" Viera's eyes narrowed.
"Yes," Alysia said, her voice firm despite her fear. "Just tell me what to do."
The council exchanged glances, their expressions grim. Finally, Viera spoke. "Very well. Since you are the one who woke him, you will bear the responsibility of containing him."
Alysia froze. "Containing him?"
"You will bind yourself to him," Viera said. "You will live as his keeper, ensuring that his power does not bring ruin to the world."
"What?" Alysia's voice rose in disbelief. "You can't be serious!"
"It is the only way," Viera said. "You brought this upon yourself."
Alysia turned to Aragos, who watched the exchange with a bemused expression. "And what about him?" she demanded. "Does he get a say in this?"
Aragos stepped forward, the chains around his wrists clinking softly. "Oh, I'm more than happy to have a little witch at my side," he said, his voice dripping with mockery. "It'll be… entertaining."
Alysia glared at him. "I'm not doing this."
"You don't have a choice," Viera said firmly. "If you refuse, we'll be forced to destroy you both."
The words hit Alysia like a blow. She looked around the chamber, searching for any sign of sympathy, but found none. Even Kael, who stood at the back of the room, avoided her gaze.
"I…" She swallowed hard, her voice barely audible. "I'll do it."
Alysia stood at the center of a glowing circle, her heart pounding as the council chanted in unison. Aragos stood opposite her, his expression unreadable.
"Do you, Alysia of the Cera Clan, swear to bind yourself to King Aragos, to serve as his keeper and ensure he does no harm?" Viera's voice echoed through the chamber.
"I do," Alysia said reluctantly.
"And do you, Aragos, swear to abide by the terms of this bond, to accept Alysia as your keeper?"
Aragos's lips curved into a wicked smile. "I do."
The circle flared with light, and Alysia felt a searing pain in her chest. She gasped, clutching at her heart as a golden thread of magic connected her to Aragos.
"It is done," Viera said, her voice heavy with finality.
Alysia stumbled, and Aragos caught her arm, his grip firm but not unkind. "Careful, little witch," he murmured, his voice low. "We wouldn't want you to break before the fun begins."
She pulled away, glaring at him. "Don't touch me."
He laughed softly, the sound sending a shiver down her spine. "You and I are going to have so much fun."
The air was heavy with tension as Alysia and Aragos walked in silence, the glow of the clan's torches fading behind them.
"Where are we going?" Alysia finally asked, breaking the silence.
"Anywhere but here," Aragos said, his tone casual. "I've had enough of witches and their chains for one lifetime."
She stopped, forcing him to turn and face her. "You don't get to decide that. I'm your keeper, remember?"
He stepped closer, his eyes locking onto hers. "And what exactly do you think that means, little one?"
"It means I'm in control," she said, her voice firm despite the knot of fear in her stomach.
His laughter was dark and cold. "We'll see how long that illusion lasts."