The silence that followed the failed bonding ritual had been heavy, but not with disappointment. For Elora, the non-effect of the spell had only served to highlight the unwavering presence of Vernon and Sylas. Their words of commitment, their quiet reassurance, had built a far stronger bridge than any ancient incantation could have immediately forged. The ritual, on the other hand, rather than making her feel foolish, had solidified a different kind of truth: their connection wasn't some grand, fated, external magic to be summoned.
Elora had always thought falling in love would feel like losing her balance—like being swept off her feet by something wild and fast. That is not what she felt. This felt like warmth spreading through her chest on the first truly cold night of the year. It felt
