Angela's perspective
Kael felt the cabin air chill as he got ready for the blood oath. Angela sensed the tension coming from everyone in the room, particularly Devin , who had been quiet ever since the decision was made. Although his lack of words made her uneasy, she was confident he wouldn't meddle. Not at this moment.
Kael laid out his limited supplies on the old, shaky table: a dagger that looked ancient, a small bottle of dark red liquid, and a parchment with symbols Angela couldn't decipher. It appeared aged - too aged. No matter their next action, it seemed as though they were delving into a history brimming with risky, overlooked sorcery.
Angela looked over at Mira, who was seated on the other side of the room, looking pale and shaken but still showing a hint of resolve in her gaze. Mira hadn't volunteered for this just like Angela hadn't, but the girl was more courageous than she appeared. There was no going back at this point.
Kael said the blood oath must be performed cautiously, his voice steady yet soft. It is an old ceremony designed to connect your power to something greater than just yourselves. Once it is completed, it cannot be reversed.
Angela gave a nod, the gravity of his words palpable. She had acknowledged the dangers beforehand, but verbalizing them made them seem more tangible, more threatening. Her power was pulsating close to the surface, untamed and ready to be constrained.
Kael lifted the dagger, the blade shining in the faint light. Both of you will be required to provide blood. The magic must be bound as part of the ritual. The pain will be severe, but you must remain alert throughout the entire procedure. If one of you faints, the bond might be severed, and the repercussions-" He didn't complete the sentence, but Angela could infer. The results could be fatal.
Mira took a deep breath before nodding. "I am prepared."
Angela edged nearer to the table, maintaining a steady heart despite the fear tightening in her chest. She had encountered mortality previously, engaging in conflicts with equally high risks. However, surrendering to a magic she only partially comprehended felt like a unique experience. Long-lasting.
Devin stood close to the entrance, with his arms folded, watching Angela intently. She sensed his stare, the quiet concern in his lack of words. He didn't attempt to dissuade her once more, but his tense body language revealed all she needed to understand.
"You are not required to remain," Angela whispered, looking at him.
"I won't go," Devin responded, his voice hoarse. I will stay in this place. For anything that occurs.
She didn't insist on getting more information from him. She also didn't want him to go. Even with all that had happened, his presence remained reassuring, despite the ongoing uncertainty in their relationship.
Kael moved ahead, extending the dagger towards her. "First, it's your turn."
Angela paused to inhale deeply, her fingers encircling the handle of the dagger. The cold metal against her skin helped her prepare for what was about to happen. She sensed her pulse speeding up, the energy within her beginning to awaken as if aware of the impending events.
She didn't hesitate as she ran the blade over her palm, grimacing when the sharp edge sliced into her skin. Blood quickly rose to the surface, falling onto the paper in front of her, the symbols appearing to gleam in reaction.
Mira did the same, her hand shaking a little as she cut her own palm. The blood oath needed both of them, united by their common magic. The danger they both faced together.
Kael swiftly placed their hands on the vial, combining their blood with the ancient liquid within. He murmured phrases in a language that Angela couldn't comprehend, the sound hushed and melodic, resembling a chant drifting through the air.
As soon as their blood made contact with the liquid, the room changed. The atmosphere became denser, filled with strength. Angela could sense it moving across her skin, penetrating deeply into her bones. The power within her rose, reacting to the ceremony, drawing her towards an unseen presence that resonated within her.
She felt the pain come over her in a sudden burst, like a wave crashing.
Her body jolted, and she gasped when the magic surged through her veins, feeling like flames. Not only her blood, but also every aspect of her, every fragment of her essence, was being tied together. The magic enveloped her, tightening and constricting.
Beside her, Mira cried out as her body trembled under the grip of the power. Angela gritted her teeth, pushing herself to remain standing, to stay awake. She couldn't afford to make a mistake at this moment. Not while they were in such proximity.
The markings on the scroll started to shine, throbbing with a mysterious, age-old power that enveloped the space. Angela sensed the magical bond between her and Mira, their abilities merging and becoming unified. She felt overwhelmed and consumed, yet she struggled to persevere.
Kael carried on with the chant, maintaining a steady voice even as chaos engulfed them. The magic intensified, penetrating further into Angela 's body and mind. She could sense it tugging at a hidden part of her being that she wasn't aware of.
The environment surrounding her appeared blurry, constantly shifting in and out of focus as the magic flowed within her. Devin 's voice calling her name could be heard in the distance, but it seemed distant, as if he was yelling from across a canyon.
Suddenly, the pain came to a halt.
Angela dropped down to the ground, struggling to breathe, her tired body shaking uncontrollably. The room fell silent, the magic's presence lifted, with only a faint echo remaining.
Her eyes opened and she gazed upwards, her sight becoming clearer. Kael stood above her, his face pale yet composed.
"I have completed it," he murmured.
Angela nodded, feeling her heart race while attempting to calm down. She felt a difference within herself, the magic now tamed and manageable. It was now connected, tied to a bigger entity, something old. But it was also changed—more intense, more directed.
Mira lay on the ground next to her, panting heavily but still alive. She locked eyes with Angela , her gaze showing a blend of terror and admiration, her eyes wide open.
"We accomplished it," Mira murmured, her voice hardly detectable.
Angela gave a nod while still attempting to regain her breath. The blood oath was successful. The control of the Alpha King over them was shattered. At the moment.
However, as she began to feel relieved, the silence was broken by the unmistakable sound of footsteps coming closer to the cabin.
In a flash, Devin was at the door with his gun out. He turned towards Angela and Kael, his face showing a more serious expression.
"He said they have arrived, speaking in a quiet and threatening tone."
Angela felt a chill in her blood. They had just completed the ceremony, yet there was no time to rest. The soldiers of the Alpha King had discovered them.
Kael took hold of his weapon, his gaze becoming narrower. "Prepare yourself."
Angela pushed herself to rise, her muscles sore from the ceremony. She could sense the fresh energy flowing within her, yet she lacked the time to experiment with its boundaries.
The door swung open, initiating the start of the battle.