: What did you just consent to? They signed the contract. The ink had turned gold from her blood being punctured and sealed with Kieran's. No attorneys. Not a witness. No way out. She ou

e like a fallen prince than a billionaire. Or perhaps the magic was humming like static in the air. Since she si

hem. The glass ceiling above changed from black to a shimmering blood-red. Elira's voice was dry as she remarked, "You said we'd stage a marriage." "This doesn't seem phony." Her eyes met Kieran's sil

rtbeat. Elira remained motionless. She said, "Put it on me." Kieran's forehead raised. "You want me to-" "I'd rather not touch it." His face flashed someth

unexpectedly cool arms. She hissed, "What was that?" "The ring," he murmured. It's a soul-forged anchor. It makes the contract enforceable. It shields you, too-from my foes. a

se I was blackmailed by you." His mouth moved, but not amusingly. You continued to sign. You're not the weak woman you act like. Elira remained silent.

me more perceptive. This was a place of ancient, restless magic. She sensed it observing. They arrived at a set of doors made of black iron that were written in a language she didn't understand. The doors creaked op

. The contract will be null and void if we don't finish this. "And you'll pass away." Now he turned, his eyes cool. "Yes." Both arms were raised by the priestess. "Start." They moved to the pedestal. Elira put his hand on it as Kieran did. She sens

ressed memories. Behind her eyes, a vision appeared: a young girl in a white dress, yelling as a city was torn apart by magic. The voice of her mother. The roar of a dragon. Then there was darkness. The flames went out. Elira collapsed to her knees, trembling. Kieran grabbed her once more. She slapped his hand away, though. "You were aware," she muttered. "You were aware that I was unique. You picked me for that reason. His gaze wavered. "The

hing ancient and dangerous because her long-dormant powers have been reawaken