The night deepened, yet the courtyard pulsed with an unnatural light. The shadow-being lingered, its form flickering like smoke, its golden eyes fixed on her as though peering directly into her soul.
"You are bound now," it murmured, voice like stone grinding against stone. "Your vow is no longer yours alone. The earth claims it. The spirits guard it. And fate will test it."
The words pressed heavily against her chest. She felt the bond tighten around her like invisible chains. A strange warmth seeped into her veins—neither comforting nor cruel, but absolute.
Beyond the courtyard, the wind shifted. Somewhere in the city, bells rang without cause. Animals stirred restlessly, sensing a force that humans could not name. And far away, in a chamber lit by candlelight, a cloaked figure raised its head, eyes widening in sudden awareness.
The ripple of her vow was spreading. The world was listening.
She clenched her fists, steadying her breath. Whatever had begun tonight was irreversible. Whispers tugged at her ears, calling her name in tones both tender and ominous. She realized then—her path was no longer hers to walk alone. Destiny itself had taken hold of her hand.