Forbidden

Chapter Two

The room was only lit by a single candle, within a circle glyph drawn in the mixed blood of Rommath and Obito were the two of them. Both were naked from the chest up, kneeling and facing each other with Rommath supporting the still unconscious hunter in his arms. His arms were crossed behind Obito's back. Amaya took her son's arms and crossed them behind Rommath, wrapping a silken rope tightly down both arms. Belestra was doing the same to Rommath. After she finished she stood and took out a small bottle. She poured the oil within down both men's arms, soaking the silken ribbons.

"Let us begin, are you sure about this Grand Magister Rommath, this bond is forever as you know."

"Just do it before I bond to a corpse," Rommath growled.

"Soulmates cannot possess each other, for you each belong unto yourselves, but as you both wish it, may you give what is your own to give." Belestra started the bonding ceremony as Amaya watched on. "As true Soulmates, you may not command one to the other, for each of you are free spirited. But pledge to serve one and other in those ways that you each may require.

Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will shelter the other.

Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other.

Now there is no loneliness, because each of you will be companion to the other.

Now you are two bodies, but there is only one life before you.

And may your days be good and long …"

"His heartbeat falters, be quick," Rommath commanded.

"Rommath do you accept this man as your lifemate, unto your dying day and beyond …"

"I do!"

Belestra rested a hand on Obito's head and whispered the same to him. There was no reply, she reached for the candle and with a nod from Rommath used its flame to set the silken ribbons binding the two together on fire, burning into both men's flesh. "The fire represents the Sunwell, may its flames and the scars left behind remind you of the union made this day."

"Open you hearts to one another and may your bond never be broken."

"Leave us," Rommath said. "Now it's in my hands and the child if either of us is to leave this room."

Rommath closed his eyes and focused on the small flame of life he felt inside the other. "Obito, if you want to live I need you to open your soul to me," he whispered, slowly opening his own heart. He didn't want to deluge the other with his own vast power. The answer was weak but there, and he felt Obito's hungry spirit starting to pull at his own. He held him close as their souls became one, giving only a small amount of his energy at a time, gradually mending the damage done. Hours passed and morning light was coming through the window when he finally pulled back and gently laid Obito down. He took a moment to look over the burns left behind by the binding ribbon; they crisscrossed his old life-bonding scars.

His gaze moved down to the auburn haired man sleeping at his feet, his life was no longer in danger, the soul had been repaired. Within him Rommath could feel the warmth of the life-bond. "Forgive me, Tana, he whispered. Calling out for the two women whom he knew would be close he asked for them to tend to Obito until he awoke and then send him to his manor with whatever belongings he needed.

He took one more moment to study Obito, the child … his mate was a handsome Sin'dorei, and his life had suddenly become a lot more complicated.