Aldric laid a hand on Elias's shoulder, grounding the storm of awe inside him. "I know this is a commitment that binds not only you but every descendant who comes after. It is not a small thing, and I will understand if you do not want—"
Before he could finish, Elias bowed deeply, the movement abrupt and driven by instinct rather than thought. His voice, when it came, trembled with conviction.
"How could I refuse such an honor? I am only… only shocked that you would even consider me worthy."
Aldric's smile warmed, quiet and full of the trust he had held for years. But still, he cautioned, gently and firmly, "Speak with Emma first. This oath is not something that can be broken once made. It is a blood vow, binding your family to ours for as long as the line continues."
Elias nodded with an enthusiasm that betrayed how deeply he already desired it. But even so, he would speak with Emma, because this future, this legacy, belonged to both of them.
