Aeloria staggered as the beam of light pierced through her chest—not hurting, but rewriting something deep inside her. Her body arched, breath torn from her lungs. The world blurred. Her senses erupted.
She felt everything.
The vampire's hunger—dark, sharp, reverent.The dragon's desire—molten, possessive, ancient.The Sanctum's judgment—cold and merciless.
All of it surged into her.
Her sigils flared, blindingly bright. Gold. Crimson. Silver.Three powers warred under her skin, nearly tearing her apart.
The vampire caught her before she fell. His arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her tight against him. His breath brushed her ear, voice low with a dangerous edge."Don't fight it. Let the Bond remake you."
The dragon stepped in front of her, pressing his forehead to hers, heat blazing from every inch of his body."Breathe, little star. You're becoming what you were always meant to be."
Aeloria gasped."It's—too much—"
"No," the vampire murmured, tightening his hold. "It's only the beginning."
The dragon's hand slid up her spine, warm enough to vibrate through her bones."Let it in."
She did.
Light detonated from her body.
A shockwave of power blasted outward, sending both males back a step—not out of rejection but out of sheer force. The chamber brightened until Aeloria stood in the center of a cosmic storm, hair rising with static, eyes glowing silver-white.
Her voice shook when she spoke."I… feel… everything."
The vampire stepped toward her slowly, as if approaching a wildfire."Then listen closely. Hear the pulse of our bond."
The dragon moved to her other side, heat radiating off him in waves."And choose what to do with it."
Aeloria lifted her hands. Threads of light stretched from her palms—one toward fire, one toward shadow. Both threads pulsed in sync with her heartbeat.
The Convergence demanded her decision.
Not choosing one.Not choosing between them.
But choosing how the three of them would stand in a world that had never allowed this bond to exist.
Aeloria inhaled, power thrumming through her veins."I choose—"
The Convergence trembled.The Sanctum stilled.Time itself held its breath.
"I choose unity.Not divided.Not separate.One bond. Three souls. One fate."
The chamber exploded into light.
The Bond ignited—
And the world began to change.