Jasmine's POV
The marriage ceremony was brief. Cold. Exactly what I expected.
Christopher stood beside me in the courthouse chamber, his expression blank as stone while the Elder performed the blood bond ritual. The sacred words that should have carried weight and meaning became nothing more than procedural formality, punctuated by Christopher's barely concealed impatience.
"The bond between mates," the Elder intoned, his weathered hands holding the ceremonial blade, "transcends mere physical union. It is a melding of souls, a promise witnessed by the Moon Goddess herself."
Christopher's jaw tightened. I felt rather than saw his irritation radiating outward like heat from a flame.
The blade pressed against my palm first. Sharp pain bloomed as it cut, blood welling bright against my s
