Total pages in book: 138
Estimated words: 129584 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 648(@200wpm)___ 518(@250wpm)___ 432(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 129584 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 648(@200wpm)___ 518(@250wpm)___ 432(@300wpm)
They each accepted a garland and placed it over the other’s head before following Alric inside the mandap. As they moved, Ravi was only vaguely aware of the sound of people following. They lit the fire to symbolize their new life together.
From there they moved to the low table where they knelt on either side while Alric remained standing over them. Very carefully, Alric placed a hand on the top of their heads and spoke for the first time.
“Today, we gather for the bonding of Abe Sora, son of Abe Ryu and Yuki of the most esteemed Abe clan, to Ravi Yamuna, only son of Marut Yamuna and Kamala Yamuna of the great wind dragons.”
Ravi shivered at the unexpected mention of his parents’ names. It was nice to have them spoken here, to be reminded of whose child he was, and that his parents were no doubt here with him in spirit.
“As King Alric Burkhard of the Fire Dragon Clan and representative of the four kings, I offer our most profound blessing on his couple. May the winds of fate blow gently across their lives, filling their home with happiness and the laughter of children. May their heartaches be brief, softened by the love of family and friends.”
To Ravi’s shock, there came an answer from the three other kings in attendance. In unison, they said, “May they be blessed.”
There was a new tingle of magic in the air, giving it a thicker, heavier weight. The proceedings had just gotten the stamp of approval from all the dragon kings. God help anyone who tried to stop them.
Sora gracefully reached across and poured the ceremonial sake into the first cup, which was painted with the most delicate cherry blossom design he’d ever seen. Picking it up, he handed it over to Ravi, whose fingers trembled slightly.
Don’t spill it. Don’t drop it. Don’t break it.
With the cup lightly clasped in both hands, he looked at Sora, and the rest of the world fell away. Strangely, his usually excitable dragon was completely at peace, staying still in his mind. There was just the sound of the winds rushing across the mountain, whispering of the years of love that stretched out ahead of them. And there was Sora’s handsome, smiling face. The words came so very easily, as if they’d always been inscribed on his soul, waiting for this moment.
“I, Ravi Yamuna-Burkhard, vow to always love you with all of my heart and my soul. I vow to devote my life to your happiness and the happiness of our children. I vow to lay down my life to keep you safe and protect you always. You are my happiness, my heart. You are the wind that lifts me in flight and carries me back to our home.”
Sora blinked away tears but didn’t catch them all in time. One slipped down his face. His wide smile never wavered as he watched Ravi take three small sips from the cup and then hand it over.
“I, Abe Sora, vow to always love you with all of my heart and soul. I vow to devote my life to your happiness and the happiness of our children. I vow to lay down my life to keep you safe and protect you always. You are the joy that heals all wounds and gives my soul eternal life.”
As he watched Sora take the first three sips, Ravi felt the little strings running from his soul to Sora’s growing stronger and tighter, binding them together. They continued to recite vows, acknowledging their families with the second cup and their clans with the third. Ravi hated to admit that it became a little bit of a blur. Finally, Sora set the final cup down and they held hands across the table.
Sora smiled broadly and lifted his voice while at the same time drawing on Ravi’s power. “Sifa fat-conqi gabofo zold vitar gev adi.”
I claim you as my mate and bind your soul to mine.
Ravi was sure he’d never waited so long to hear a spell cast. At the same time, he had never been sure he’d find someone to say those words to him.
“Sifa fat-conqi gabofo zold vitae,” Ravi replied, nearly choking on his joy.
I claim you as my mate and give my soul to you.
Brilliant gold flared across Sora’s lovely eyes, briefly changing the deep-brown irises to gold coins that glowed with an inner light. Magic energy rushed down Ravi’s right arm and through Sora’s body to exit out his left, completing the circle and officially binding them together.
The sudden connection was followed by a wave of emotions. What he’d been able to sense from Sora while he’d been kidnapped had been a pale shadow of what he felt now. Each emotion was so finely nuanced that he could nearly read his thoughts. Pure, unadulterated joy, confidence, devotion, and love. So much love. He couldn’t imagine how Sora managed to keep it all in his body, but then it only matched what Ravi felt for his mate.