Aethernea : Soulbound [Book 1]

Episode 6 Part 2 - Deal with the devil

This last week has been very eventful for Aethernea. The number of views and comments is booming, and it has allowed Aethernea to reach #587 in the Fantasy genre. I'd like to especially thank ScarlettMC16 , Lizzie41701, TyTy00014, OreOJunkIe78, DGRain, Anakin121, Keith1029394 and Keeper_Of_Souls for being awesome and voting. Thank you guys <3

I'd also like to thank cream_soda7240 for sharing Aethernea to her friends! I truly appreciate that <3 

Previously on Aethernea:

Elaru explains the benefits of being able to see mana and tells Kiel the secret of the elibu markings. She reveals the existence of Aetherneal Bond - a contract between an argel and an elibu which would bring them both benefits.

* * *

Is that why she was careful to not disclose her presence? Because that family was after her?

"Are they aware you possess this knowledge?" If they were after her than associating with her could put him in danger as well.

"Thankfully, no. And I intend to keep it that way." Elaru gave him a meaningful look, clearly telling him not to reveal this information to anyone if he valued his life.

So she wasn't a wanted person? Was hiding her presence just a preemptive move to avoid trouble?

"Tell me more about the Aetherneal bond. What would happen to us if I activate it?" Kiel continued the questioning, his emotionless mask never wavering.

"The spell would create a link between us – a bond. Our souls would merge into one, which would allow us to share mana – you would be able to use my mana supply as your own. We would also gain the ability to purify mana."

"What's the catch?" Kiel stared deeply into Elaru's eyes trying to fish out a response from their depths.

"The catch is that it is permanent. Once done, it cannot be undone. If we become bound, we will remain so until one of us dies." She stared right back at him, unwavering.

"Does it have any adverse impacts on us? Such as shortening of lifespan?"

"No, on the contrary, it lengthens the lifespan."

"Can the oath harm us in any way?"

"You can't get hurt by signing the oath."

Kiel examined her face carefully. There must be a catch, a reason to not do it. Could she use the bond to control him somehow? Would he become a slave of the bond and she, as the vessel, his master?

"Is the contract symmetrical?" A symmetrical contract places the exact same spell on all of the contractors. If Aetherneal bond were symmetrical, that would mean effects of the bond on him would be the same as on her. If she could control him, then he could control her too.

"Yes. The rules of the oath are the same for both of us." She nodded her head in approval.

Was this really the truth? It had to be since she signed the oath of truth! Yet Kiel just couldn't shake off a feeling of dread. Maybe he was just paranoid? His mistrust of people was getting in the way even when he was sure they weren't lying.