Sacred Vows Novels & Stories

I lost the illusion that I could control the terms of my own suffering. And from that moment forward, my vow became real. Not to him. But to myself. I would never let this be my ending.

"Swear that if you ever try to claim those shares, you forfeit everything." Penelope's eyes darted around the room, finding no allies. "I..." her voice cracked. "I swear." "Louder." "I swear that if I break my oath regarding Diana Knight's shares," Penelope's voice strengthened with desperate anger, "I forfeit everything. My name, my possessions, my home..." "And?" "And..." tears slipped down her cheeks. "And everyone who calls me family or friend." "Perfect." Ashlyn's smile was victorious. "Now seal it."

Jesus Christ. Leon moves like violence belongs to him. There’s no hesitation in him. No uncertainty. He doesn’t posture or shout or waste time trying to look intimidating because he already is. One second the guy is cursing at him, and the next Leon slams him face-first into the side of the SUV hard enough to dent metal.

They said in unison. “Do you swear upon your blood that no word of the knowledge you will gain shall be passed on to someone else?” “Upon my blood, I swear.” “Do you swear to always be loyal to those who share this bond with you? To stand as a shield and sword in their time of need?” “With my life, I swear.” “Do you submit to the power of the gods, that your life shall be taken to pay your debt shall you break this oath?” “I submit to the gods. My life shall be claimed if I betray this vow.”

“My mother entrusted me to you on her deathbed. And what did you do to me? “If you had a daughter, would you want her to forgive a man who treated her the way you treated me?” “So, no! I won’t forgive you. I don’t want to ever see you again.” He looked at me deeply, as if recalling that day when my mother placed my hand into his, when he had vowed he would take care of me. He lowered his head and fell silent for a long time. As I passed by him, his trembling voice drifted to my ears.

She didn't see the divorce coming. And so, as the clock struck midnight, Maria extinguished the candles one by one, symbolizing the end of an era. With each flicker of the flame, a spark of determination ignited within her. The journey ahead would be arduous, but she knew deep in her heart that she deserved more. As she left the table behind, the remnants of an anniversary dinner untouched, Maria took her first steps towards a future filled with hope and the promise of a love that would never again be shrouded in darkness.

It was for something far more intimate, far more sacred. A vow. It was not the very first vow Killian and Seraphina had ever made to one another. The first had been spoken years ago by two young, naive lovers who foolishly believed that passion alone could conquer every incoming storm. This vow, however, would be spoken by two battle-hardened people who had actually survived those storms, borne the deep scars, and chosen to return to the altar anyway. The entire kingdom gathered within the clearing in a profound, respectful silence.

From the corner of my eyes, my father watched me nervously, his smile faltering at the fear of what I might be thinking. I never imagined faking an answer to a question like this. To spend a lifetime built on false vows and promises. This is not something I wanted for myself or my children. “I do,” The words tasted bitter as they rolled out of my tongue. Instinctively, I slipped the ring onto his finger without being prompted. The priest took another ring and handed it to the man. I gently removed my glove, revealing my sweaty tender fingers. I sucked in my breath as he reached for my hand, fighting the urge to pull back. After that ring slips in, I will be bound to this man.