The next morning, Alaric gathered them in the library. Dusty shelves stood tall, candles flickering against the walls.
"Bond magic," he said, "is not about power. It is surrender. Two souls choosing to intertwine."
His eyes lingered on Iman, though he quickly looked away. Lucien noticed, his jaw tightened.
"Close your eyes," Alaric instructed. "Feel the bond."
Iman obeyed, Lucien's presence steady beside her. The air thickened, shadows creeping along the walls, whispering doubts.
Layla gasped. "What is this?"
"The Order," Alaric replied calmly. "Their first test."
Fear clawed at Iman's chest, but Lucien's grip anchored her. Together, their bond flared with light, scattering the whispers.
When the room cleared, Alaric studied them silently. "Impressive," he said at last. "But this is only the beginning."
His gaze lingered on Iman once more, and she shivered.