And Then, There Was Fire.

thirty four.

"We still need to figure out if immaculinity even applies to you two, since it never happened before." Kurisch reminded them, causing Trey to just reply in a sigh. "That is the most important thing here, in restoring Theo. Restoring Theo will restore everyone's drifting powers. There are no other immaculates known at that this time, to bring that restoration. And of course, with you and Lauren's existence, it's a possibility that's why ya'll are targeted....... if someone wanted to prevent that from happening and the reign going into your hands."

Trey huffed as he rolled his eyes to the ceiling and slapped his hand on his thigh. "I don't give a fuck about reigning." His anxiety crept back. "I don't even know that world like that. I just want to be left alone, and live my life."

Lauren shifted in her spot, folding her legs under her. "Has anyone ever even tried just marrying or unifying, whatever its called, and not be immaculates just to see if it would even work?"

"All the time." Kurisch answered. "But you can't put triple A batteries in a device that requires double A batteries, and expect it to work."

"Don't you think we would've been able to know by now if we are?" Lauren asked.

"Yeah, but you guys are one of kind right now. One thing about Nev, is that he was sure you two were immaculates. He was never wrong." Kurisch said, feeling as if he's been repeating himself since the day he finally met the two. "Maybe it just takes time, I don't know how much time."

"Okay, so we go get married tomorrow at the courthouse and see." Trey shrugged, causing Lauren to whip her attention in his direction only to find his neck calmly resting against the back of the couch. Out of everything else he's been rambling on with, this is the remark he said with ease and without a care in the world as if they were to go get an oil change.

Kurisch laughed, but laughed alone. "It doesn't work that way."

"And, I think I would like to have a normal long-term relationship first before getting married." Lauren said with a screwed expression. Annoyed that he took her love for him as if she would marry him tomorrow just because he said so.

"Surely you understand a courthouse marriage in this world means absolutely nothing for Theo?" Kurisch asked.

Trey sighed again, shaking his knee. "I don't know what else to do, man." Trey said, feeling as if he's given up since he doesn't have a choice in how to expedite this so he can return to his normal life. "It's hard to be patient when you got threats from all corners."

"What exactly happens during a unification?" Lauren asked. "Is it some off-the-wall ritual?"

Kurisch laughed again. "It's not a cult. But, for a great unification, between immaculates that are to rule.... it does require something that may seem unorthodox here."

He now had their full attention, causing Trey to sit up slightly from his lounged position before taking another sip.

"The ceremonies can be similar to here, no matter the style. However, for a great unification to actually take place, blood from both immaculates is joined. Traditionally, this is done by creating an incision down the woman's palm, and across the man's palm as they clasp each other's hands. The same way here, a groom kisses his bride to seal their marriage."

"That's definitely cult-like." Lauren broke the awkward silence between her and Trey. Trey remained quiet, unable to believe this was his life.

"Why the hand? Can't just prick a finger and call it good?" Trey joked, finally finding himself to become at ease.