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Author: M. F.
last update Last Updated: 2025-05-18 23:34:26

CHAPTER NINE

Contract Marriage

Elaric Nox stood alone in the Obsidian Chamber, examining the ceremonial arrangements with a critical eye. Shadow magic flowed around him in controlled patterns, responding to his mental discipline as he verified each detail of the upcoming ceremony. The contract document rested on its silver pedestal, night-parchment absorbing ambient light rather than reflecting it—appropriate symbolism for the pragmatic arrangement about to be formalized.

Perfect precision in every element, as befits House Nox. No excessive ceremony, no wasteful display—just efficient implementation of mutually beneficial agreement.

The chamber's obsidian surfaces gleamed with inner luminosity, shadow itself refined into illumination that provided clarity without harshness. Around the chamber's perimeter, the carefully selected witnesses had begun to assemble—Council members whose presence was politically necessary, diplomatic representatives whose observation would ensure inter-house
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  • Shadow's Essence    2.71

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  • Shadow's Essence    2.70

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  • Shadow's Essence    2.69

    Chapter 69: The AttackCaptain Rowan knelt before the midnight altar with dignity that transformed military submission into sacred oath, his scarred hands steady as he reached for ceremonial blade that would seal mystical binding through blood freely offered in service of crown authority. The silver runes pulsed with increasing brilliance as mystical forces prepared to create bond that would guarantee loyalty beyond political convenience or personal choice."I, Rowan Blackthorne, Captain of Royal Guard, offer blood in service of crown independence," he declared with voice that carried across ceremonial grounds enhanced by magical amplification, "loyalty guaranteed through mystical binding that makes betrayal impossible while preserving will in service of sovereign authority."The ritual blade drew blood that sparkled with contained starlight as it touched midnight stone, causing the ancient altar to flare with radiance that illuminated assembled representatives from twelve kingdoms wh

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    Chapter 67: The Eve of BindingThe night before the blood oath ceremony brought an autumn storm that lashed against the castle walls with winds that seemed to echo the tension building within the ancient stones. Xalara stood at the tall windows of her private chambers, watching lightning illuminate preparations in the courtyard where tomorrow's alliance would be forged through magical compulsion that would reshape international politics forever.A week of complete isolation had changed her in ways she was still processing. The constant vigilance required by assassination attempts, the weight of alliance coordination through intermediaries, and the absolute absence of genuine human connection except through official duties had created psychological pressure that made tomorrow's ceremony feel like liberation rather than binding obligation."Your Majesty," Captain Rowan's voice carried warmth that had become increasingly precious during days when every other interaction served government

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