"Spirits of the earth, spirits of the high peaks." Numa's voice was low and resonant. "Witness this union. The Snake protects, the Sky gives." He moved his hands in a slow circle over their heads, his words taking on a chant-like quality.
He called for strength, vision, and cunning to stay far from their home unless invited.
Numa pulled out two ceremonial knives and handed one to Weijie and the other to Ningning.
Weijie looked at Ningning as he cut his palm, and she did the same.
They pressed their bleeding palms together, sealing their bond.
Numa smiled slightly. "Speak your hearts. Let the mountain hear why you choose this bond."
Weijie's fingers interlaced with hers, his thumb stroking over the back of her hand, smearing the blood in a symbolic seal.
