Bloodlust

Chapter 2

Serephina didn't know how much time passed before the Great Willa strolled into the platform. Serephina had met her only once but her beauty still struck her.

Great Willa was one of the most ancient beings in Quinwal, rumor had it that she was only twenty when the first bloodlust ceremony was made. And that had been years ago.

Willa had her blazing red hair tied into a bun covered with flowers and twigs from the Othe Tree itself. A golden dress that reached her ankles with a long tail to follow. She barely had wrinkles, and was well known for her hollow cheeks that helped cover up her years of life. Her eyes ranked the room like a hawk. And it was her eyes that made Serephina find her beautiful. Coral eyes, shades of orange and blue dazzled in the moonlight. Nobody knew how she came to have such eyes as it was clear that no one else in the country had them. She was ancient like the oak on every tree in all Quinwal. Her only purpose in life was to make sure that the Bloodlust ritual was taken into action. But it hadn't for over nine decades, that was, until now.

Great Willa's eyes found Nicolas, who was looking at her, chin raised high. She lowered her head as if bowing from afar. Then her eyes flew like the hawk she portrayed and found Serephina's. Serephina held her gaze, eyes fixed on hers--defying her. Serephina knew that that was what Great Willa expected from her. She bowed to Serephina too.

"Citizens of Quinwal, we are gathered here to presence the first Arriea of over almost century." Her voice boomed across the ballroom. All eyes turned to her. "The Bloodlust tribute started as a sacrificial offering to the gods as a pledge of forgiveness. For of all the vices we have lapsed over the last nine decades." Great Willa looked around, mostly at the young people—and Rohana, who turned scarlet red. "We shall offer the gods the apology they deserve and hope that it will be enough."

That we—I will be enough. Serephina almost jolted when someone gripped her elbow. Her Aunt was now next to her, glass gone, white as a ghost. But she wasn't the one holding her elbow, but a nymph. Her eyes were dark green and her skin cold as ice. She didn't release Serephina when she tried to pull away nor when she asked what was the reason for this. It only took her a second to acknowledge that Nicolas too had been gripped by someone. It wasn't a nymph but a guard. Strong enough to take him if necessary.

That's why there had been guards stationed on every window and door. Not for my protection but to keep me in if I tried to escape. If I changed my mind.

She must have really made a scene earlier then for them to have new guards coming in now, followed my the crown's most dangerous mages.  

"There's no need for restrain," said Serephina, pulling her arm away. She gazed at Rohana, and was surprised to find her eyes glimmering with tears. Serephina smiled at her, her heart warming. Chin held high, Serephina made her way to the high, marble platform where Great Willa waited, Nicolas already standing next to her.

How did he move so fast? Serephina wondered, trying her best not to show.

Once upon the platform, Willa announced, voice booming, "Serephina Rose of Mintdral Side, do you accept"—she pointed at Nicolas, eyes gleaming—"Nicolas North as your Rumion and bind yourself to the Bloodlust?" Serephina's voice was a merely squeak compared to Willa's and to Nicolas when he was asked the same. "Then let the Bloodlust ritual take place!"

Great Willa pulled out her long silver knife from her robe and without asking, gripped Nicolas' arm, pulling him forward as she slashed his hand. Then she proceeded to do the same to Serephina. She tried not to coward for she hated being cut. She only whimpered as Great Willa dug her long nails into her blood to then trace ancient symbols on Nicola's forearm with it. Nicolas' eyes met hers and Serephina, for the first time, held his gaze. She knew he would be in her life forever, there would be no escaping him or the blood-bond. She would need his physical contact to live, need his touch just as he would need hers. They would now live in the same house, talked, and see each other daily. And she knew things would be difficult and as Great Willa traced Nicolas' blood over her forearm and joined their hands over the burning fire, she knew that he was now her life source.

And I am his.

                                                                      ***

A/N: Hey guys, I've decided to update on Tuesdays and Thursdays too, hopefully if I can. Also hoped you enjoyed this chapter. Don't forget to comment and vote!