"You didn't spare any efforts in becoming the most beautiful bride to grace the castle." Artyom chuckled, running the side of his hand along Keagan's face. "I'm beginning to wonder if you have other reasons to marry me… than just marrying me."
"I'm preserving my life," Keagan answered, bringing her eyes up to meet his gaze. "You have no idea what I am willing to do for it."
Artyom's lips rose to a cruel smile, his fangs pushing out. His vampire features began to show, yet he turned to pick up the ceremonial goblet from the altar table. He then squeezed his vacant hand tight enough for his claws to dig into the skin. Blood trickled down from his hand and into the goblet. "Let's drink to the union of our hearts and souls, Keagan."
Keagan readied her small blade, which Vera handed her. She drew a cut on her open palm and squeezed blood out, letting it trickle into the goblet after Artyom offered it to her. Then, she let Wren bind her hand to keep it from bleeding more.
