The three of them moved to a designated bonding area within the enclosure. Elenaria signaled him to prepare, activating the ritual runes buried beneath the snow with a quick tap on her handheld terminal.
A circle of soft blue light flared to life, framing Soren and the young kitsune.
"Close your eyes and guide a thin thread of your mana outward," Elenaria instructed, her voice calm. "Let it bridge the gap between you."
Soren closed his eyes, his heart beating with a mix of anticipation and nervousness. He focused inward, carefully releasing a gentle strand of energy. Across from him, the young kitsune let out an expectant "kyuu~", its own vibrant frost energy rising to meet his halfway.
The two distinct mana signatures touched.
A brilliant flash of silver light illuminated the entire enclosure.
The connection felt incredibly natural, a warm sensation blooming in Soren's chest as their souls began to align, forming the initial framework of the contract.
