"A… blood covenant?" Her eyes widened.
Zarek nodded.
"It binds us completely," he said. "It is a promise that we are forever one."
Eliora let out a small breath. "That sounds… intense."
Zarek's expression softened just a little.
"It is," he admitted. "But it is not as frightening as it sounds."
His thumb brushed her hand. "And I will make sure you do not feel any pain."
Eliora stared at his face for a moment, then nodded slowly.
"Okay."
She wasn't fully convinced, but she trusted him.
Zarek stood up, then reached for something on the table nearby. When he turned back, he held her veil and handed it to her.
Eliora took it, looking at it for a second before lifting her gaze back to him.
"I'm surprised," she said.
Zarek raised a brow.
"You removed it," she continued. "In the throne room. You don't usually like people seeing my face."
For a brief second, something flashed across his face. His eyes darkened… then flickered red.
He looked away.
