The Duke of Veridian's hesitant acceptance of Sarina's words felt like a victory, albeit a fragile one. Though the expressions of his advisors had softened, Sarina knew their mistrust lingered. She had laid her soul bare, admitting to her past mistakes, yet the scars of dark magic were not so easily forgotten. Still, she felt a glimmer of hope as the meeting concluded, the duke granting her kingdom's alliance another tentative chance.
Sarina and Rian were escorted to their quarters in Veridian's grand castle, the weight of the day's discussions settling heavily upon them. The flickering torchlight cast shadows along the stone corridors, and as they entered the quiet sanctuary of their rooms, the tension in Sarina's shoulders finally began to ease.
Rian closed the door behind them, his gaze filled with pride and concern. "You spoke with such courage today, Sarina. I could see how much your honesty impacted them."
She managed a small, weary smile. "I only hope it was enough. It feels as though I'll spend my entire life proving that I've changed, that I no longer walk in darkness."
He stepped closer, his hand finding hers, a quiet strength radiating from his touch. "They saw your sincerity. Even the duke, for all his caution, was moved by your words. You're not the person you once were, Sarina, and people will come to see that."
His words filled her with warmth, but a faint chill still lingered in the back of her mind, a reminder of the fragility of the peace she was trying to build. The shadows of her past felt closer than ever here in Veridian, a place that viewed magic — even her reformed magic — with suspicion.
Sarina's gaze drifted to the window, where the moon hung low over the horizon, casting a silvery light over the darkened landscape. "I feel as though this is only the beginning," she murmured, almost to herself. "Veridian's acceptance is a step forward, but so many other realms still remember my past."
Rian followed her gaze, his voice gentle. "One step at a time. You've already accomplished so much, Sarina. In time, others will see your true intentions as well."
They spent the evening in quiet conversation, the closeness between them a reminder of how far they had come together. Rian's unwavering support grounded her, and as she drifted into sleep, she felt a fragile sense of peace settle over her.
The next morning, they were summoned to a formal breakfast with the duke and his advisors. Sarina dressed carefully, choosing a simple gown that reflected her commitment to diplomacy over grandeur. She entered the hall with Rian at her side, her heart steady, her mind focused on the day's discussions.
The Duke of Veridian greeted them with a guarded smile, though his tone was warmer than the previous day. "Lady Sarina, Sir Rian, please join us. We have much to discuss regarding the future of our alliance."
As they took their seats, the duke's advisors cast her brief glances of curiosity and caution. Sarina met each gaze openly, determined to continue proving her sincerity. The breakfast proceeded with polite conversation, the duke inquiring about her kingdom's defenses and the efforts she had undertaken to maintain peace.
As the meal drew to a close, however, the duke's expression grew serious, his gaze resting on Sarina with a weight she hadn't expected.
"There is one matter," he began, his tone careful, "that continues to trouble me, Lady Sarina. Your past, as you openly admitted, involved the practice of dark magic. I appreciate your candor, but I must consider my people's concerns. They fear that the darkness you once wielded could still linger, that it may pose a threat not only to Veridian but to any ally."
Sarina felt her stomach tighten, though she forced herself to remain calm. She had known this question would come, yet hearing it spoken aloud stung, a reminder of the shadows that clung to her no matter how far she tried to run.
"I understand your concerns, Your Grace," she replied, her voice steady. "And I acknowledge that magic, especially the kind I once practiced, leaves scars. But I assure you, I have turned away from that path. The darkness I once wielded no longer holds any power over me."
The duke considered her words, his gaze unwavering. "Perhaps. But my advisors and I have discussed a… precautionary measure. Something to ensure that any lingering darkness is contained, that your power is truly devoted to peace."
Sarina felt a chill spread through her as the duke's words sank in. "What are you suggesting, Your Grace?"
One of the advisors, the stern woman who had questioned her intentions the day before, spoke up. "There is an ancient binding ritual, Lady Sarina. It would place a magical seal upon you, restricting any dark magic from surfacing. This would serve as a safeguard, a reassurance to the people of Veridian and beyond."
The weight of the proposal pressed down on her, each word a reminder of the suspicion that still clouded her. The idea of being bound, of willingly placing a restriction upon her own magic, felt like a shackle — a stark limitation that would strip her of a part of herself.
Sarina took a deep breath, her mind racing. The binding ritual was permanent, a spell that would forever alter her connection to magic, placing restrictions on her that she could never undo. It was an immense sacrifice, one that would limit her ability to protect herself and her kingdom if dark forces ever arose again.
Rian, sensing her hesitation, placed a steadying hand on her shoulder, his voice gentle. "Your Grace, Lady Sarina has proven her loyalty through her actions. Surely, such a measure is… extreme."
The duke's expression softened slightly, but his tone remained firm. "Extreme, perhaps. But it is the only way to ensure the safety and trust of our people. If Lady Sarina is truly committed to peace, then this binding should be a choice she is willing to consider."
Sarina felt torn, a deep conflict brewing within her. She had worked tirelessly to prove her loyalty, to show the kingdom and the world that she had left her dark path behind. Yet, here she was, faced with a decision that would forever alter her connection to magic — a power that had once defined her, a part of her that, even now, she still cherished in its transformed state.
But looking into the duke's eyes, and seeing the cautious glances of his advisors, she knew that her word alone would never be enough. This binding ritual would be the final step in proving her commitment to peace, the ultimate act of trust.
She looked at Rian, his gaze filled with concern, his grip on her shoulder a silent reminder that she was not alone. She could see the hesitation in his eyes, the worry that this decision might strip her of her strength, her identity. Yet she could also feel his support, his unwavering belief that she would choose the path that felt right.
Finally, she turned back to the duke, her voice quiet but resolute. "If this binding ritual will bring peace to your people, if it will assure them of my loyalty, then I will consent to it."
A murmur of approval spread through the room, the advisors nodding with a mixture of respect and relief. The duke inclined his head, his expression one of cautious gratitude.
"Thank you, Lady Sarina," he said. "This choice shows great courage and commitment. We shall prepare the ritual for tonight."
The hours leading up to the ritual were tense, each moment filled with the weight of what was to come. Sarina remained in her quarters, preparing herself for the binding, her mind racing with conflicting emotions. Part of her feared what she was about to lose — the freedom of her magic, the strength that had once been hers alone to command. She was willingly giving up a part of herself, and she wasn't certain what that would mean for her future.
Rian stayed by her side, his presence a steady comfort. As evening approached, he looked at her, his gaze filled with both pride and worry.
"You don't have to do this, Sarina," he murmured. "The duke's trust may come in time. You've proven yourself already."
She shook her head, a faint smile on her lips. "No, Rian. This is my choice. I know what I'm giving up, but it's the final step in my journey. If I want to be trusted, if I want to build a future without shadows, I have to let go of the past completely."
His eyes softened, and he took her hands in his, his voice filled with quiet admiration. "You're stronger than I ever imagined, Sarina. No magic or darkness could ever define you. It's your heart, your courage that makes you who you are."
His words filled her with warmth, a reassurance that steadied her as the time for the ritual approached. They walked together to the hall where the binding ritual was to take place, each step a testament to her choice, to the life she was ready to embrace.
The hall was dimly lit, candles casting a soft glow over the stone walls. The duke and his advisors waited, along with a group of Veridian's trusted spellcasters, who would perform the ritual. Sarina stood in the center of the circle they had drawn, her heart steady, her resolve unwavering.
The spellcasters began the incantation, their voices low and rhythmic, a hum of ancient words that filled the air with an almost sacred intensity. As the ritual progressed, Sarina felt a warmth spread over her, a sensation like a protective layer settling around her magic, binding it with light.
The darkness within her, the remnants of the power she had once wielded, began to fade, dissolving under the spell's influence. It felt both freeing and painful, like shedding a part of herself that she had clung to for so long.
When the ritual ended, she felt lighter, a new clarity filling her. Her magic was still there, but it was tempered, bound by her own choice.
The duke stepped forward, his expression one of respect. "Thank you, Lady Sarina. You have proven your loyalty beyond any doubt."
Sarina nodded, a quiet strength radiating from her. She had sacrificed a part of herself for peace, but in doing so, she had found a new purpose, a future free from shadows.
And as she looked at Rian, she knew that this choice, this binding, was not an end but a new beginning. A future built on trust, love, and the strength to rise above her past.