We fled back to Hollow Hamlet through the forest. My dirty, torn dress didn't matter. All I could think about was Dylan—unconscious in Vlad's arms—and Erevan's horrifying transformation.
Erevan had become something beyond an ordinary dark elf. Whatever corruption had taken root within him was growing, twisting him into something unnatural. Something unstoppable.
As soon as we crossed into Hollow Hamlet's light territory, the oppressive darkness lifted. We were surrounded by the serene magic of the elven sanctuary, with its luminous plants and starlit river.
Vesperia was waiting for us.
Draped in flowing green and silver, the elven queen stood, radiating a contained power that even Vlad and Xander seemed to respect. Her gaze moved across us, lingering briefly on Dylan's motionless form before settling on Oregon.
"You return with blood on your hands," she observed, her voice carrying the weight of centuries.
"And darkness follows you."
Oregon inclined his head in respect.
"It's Erevan. He has changed. The corruption within him has taken hold."
Vesperia's expression hardened.
"I feared this day would come."
"He's no longer in control," Oregon continued.
"His magic is wild, chaotic. If we don't stop him soon, he'll consume everything in his path."
Vesperia closed her eyes for a brief moment, as if listening to the whispers of the land itself.
Then, with a slow exhale, she lifted her hand. The air around us crackled, golden threads of magic weaving through her fingers. She spoke in the ancient tongue of the elves, her voice both melodic and commanding.
The wind, fragrant with jasmine, stirred the trees. Their runes glowed, creating a bright dome of light that became an invisible shield around Hollow Hamlet.
"The barrier is in place," Vesperia declared. "Erevan will not cross this threshold, not while my magic stands."
Relief washed over me, but it was short-lived.
"We don't have much time," Vesperia said, turning to me.
"Matrimony must be completed by tonight. The bond will fortify your strength and allow you to withstand the trials ahead. I believe Erevan will attack us again."
A strange weight settled in my chest. The reality of what I was about to do pressed down on me, but I knew there was no turning back.
I nodded. "Then let's do it."
Due to the chaotic situation, the wedding ceremony was simplified. Oregon wore his beautiful wedding armor, and I wore a simple yet elegant gown from the Queen's previous marriage.
The elves led me to a sacred grove, where the heart of their magic thrived. At its centre stood an ancient altar, carved from moonstone and covered in delicate elven script.
The air hummed with energy, the presence of unseen spirits lingering just beyond sight.
Oregon stood beside me, holding a delicate chain—a silver necklace etched with glowing runes and a magical sapphire. The gemstone's light pulsed as if it were alive.
"This is the bond-forging pendant," Oregon said, his voice quieter now.
"It carries the essence of our people, binding us to one another."
He lifted the chain and gently placed it around my neck. The moment the cool metal touched my skin, a wave of warmth pulsed through me, wrapping around my heart like an invisible thread.
I inhaled sharply as my senses expanded, my awareness brushing against Oregon's presence. It wasn't intrusive, but it was there—a connection, fragile yet undeniable.
Reaching into the ceremonial box prepared for me, I pulled out the pendant crafted for Oregon.
It was similar in design, though the gemstone in his was emerald green, reflecting the vitality of the forest. With steady hands, I fastened it around his neck.
The moment the pendant settled against his chest, the energy between us solidified. The bond had begun.
Vesperia stepped forward, her gaze piercing as she raised her hands.
"Speak your vows before the spirits, and let them bear witness to your union."
Oregon turned to me, his blue-green eyes searching mine. Then, with quiet certainty, he spoke.
"I, Oregon of Hollow Hamlet, son of Vesperia, vow to stand beside you, Leighton, through light and shadow. I vow to protect you, to guide you, and to share my strength with you. My life, my power, my soul—I offer them freely, bound by honor and fate."
His words resonated in the air, echoing through the grove as the spirits listened.
My throat tightened.
In that time, for a second I managed to think about the past rituals: Vlad and Dylan.
It felt like I'd acquired two husbands, and now, a third.
I took a deep breath and met Oregon's gaze.
"I, Leighton, vow to walk this path with you, Oregon, through the trials and the unknown. I vow to trust you, to fight beside you, and to share in your burdens. My life, my power, my soul—I offer them freely, bound by honor and fate."
Oregon leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to my forehead. A surge of power crackled in the air. The spirits had accepted our vows.
Vesperia stepped forward once more, her hands glowing with magic.
"The final seal," she murmured.
"The bond made eternal."
A warm light enveloped us both. My skin tingled as a strange sensation spread across my wrist.
Looking down, I watched in awe as elegant patterns of silver and emerald inked themselves into my flesh, forming an intricate design that pulsed with life.
A similar mark appeared on Oregon's forearm, mirroring mine.
Then, as the ritual completed, something in my mind shifted.
A presence. A connection.
I gasped as I felt it—felt him.
Oregon's thoughts, distant yet clear, brushed against mine.
"Can you hear me?"
I staggered slightly, pressing a hand to my head. "Oregon?"
A ghost of a smile touched his lips.
"It worked."
My heart pounded. The connection wasn't just physical—it was mental. A link that defied distance and time.
Vesperia lowered her hands.
"The bond has been sealed. The mark is done."
Relief washed over me. The third mark was complete.
But before I could even process what had just happened, a voice rang through the air—urgent and sharp.
"Erevan has breached the outer defenses!"
The moment of peace shattered.
Oregon's grip tightened around my hand, and through our bond, I felt his resolve.
"Then we fight together," he said.
"Don't forget about me," Vlad added, stepping forward. "We fight together."
I turned to him. "How's Dylan?"
"His condition is improving, but he's still unconscious," Vlad replied.
"Don't worry, mother is also a great healer." Oregon said.
I closed my eyes, reaching out with my senses.
I exhaled.
Dylan will be fine. I could feel it. He just needs time to rest and regenerate.
Then, deep within me, I felt the power of all the three marks—woven into my body, my soul, and my mind.
Oregon, Vlad, and I stood side by side. A short distance away, Xander remained slightly apart, but still within our line.
The elven army stood ready at the front.
Holumis stood beside her mother, Vesperia, who looked prepared to face Erevan.
She had managed to find a cure—if not to purge the darkness, then at least to tame it.