Bonds Explained

Marik’s expression was that of fascination and pity. Fascinated that I wasn’t falling easily for his charm? Or pity that I am too confused to react in a way he would want?

‘Also, what do you want from me? Why am I yet again, captured by another man?’

Marik’s laugh was luxurious and intoxicating. With a deep breath, he started explaining.

’You were summoned by your parents. For what reason, I do not know.’ He said as he ran a hand through his hair, pushing it back from his face.

Yeah yeah yeah I am very handsome. Small movements like this showcase my muscles. Just quickly flick my hair to entice this silly girl. Blergh! Less flexing, more talking please.

I couldn’t help but mock him in my mind. It was like the movements he did were calculated to see how I would react. The more I spoke with him, the more I saw through him. And the more I saw through him, the more I was repelled by his attempts to win me over.

He probably enjoyed me fangirling over his looks earlier. This schmuck. And, if Raiona’s parents were summoning me, what does he have to do with it then? Does he compete with Celphi in kidnapping me?

‘What I know from the surveillance team, the dragon was required to be there for the ritual to call you over. Seeing your promise mark now, I think it is because of that.’ He said as he took my arm to study again.

’He was the one with the strongest connections to you at the moment of summoning.’ He said, almost spitting.

‘How did I get this bond with him anyways?’

Can’t deny that the birthmark did change along with Celphi.

‘He must’ve bitten you. By either losing his mind or for following orders.’ Marik rolled his eyes.

‘I doubt your royal parents would allow you to be bonded with someone so randomly. It must’ve caused a scene. Whether Celphi done it by accident,’ Marik looked at me with sharply, ‘Or by your choice.’

I found it hard to imagine Celphi would follow orders from other folks to harm me. Or Raiona. Based on her journal, I hardly think Raiona would go around bonding to anyone. If anything, she wanted to be free. And to be honest, so do I. 

‘Is there even a merit to being bonded to me?’

Marik smiled seductively. I responded with a glare. He put his hands up in the air.

Don’t even try to be a smart ass flirt with me. I’m serious here.

‘That gives him the advantage of knowing how you feel at the very least. For most, he can detect your location, and hear things directly from your mind.’

Oh my gosh is that why it feels like Celphi can read me sometimes?

‘Of course it is different from each case. A connection is a two way street after all. You can regulate what information you wanted to let them know. Though you probably don't know how to do that.’ Marik added, glaring at me like a jealous boyfriend.

Oh of course! This is why Celphi was getting brazen… He knew I was starting to like him back…

‘The other party can feel once you start to distrust them. They can also feel once you start to like them more.’

Mmm. So it’s literally ‘’why can’t you just read my mind?’’

Marik sat more comfortably on the bed and grabbed me. I got dragged with ease. He pulled me so I was sat closer to him.

’The promise mark can be done between two creatures. It is a sign of trust or love.’ He continued.

’So I have two of these since I trust them both?’

Marik nodded. ’It must be mutual. Hence the name promise mark. Or soul-tie bond.’

‘Is there a difference?’

’Not a lot really. Soul-tie bond is the term used when two creatures drink each other's blood as a pact. If both are genuine and have each other's best interest in mind, a promise mark would appear. But it wouldn’t be colored. It would look like your one.’

Soul-tie bond is the act, and promise bond is the manifestation on the body, got it.

‘I see! So I drank Celphi’s blood at some point? And then he drank mine? I am so lost.’

‘Something along those lines. I highly suspect that after biting you, you must’ve sucked on your bleeding arms. As kids do.’ Marik looked at my monotone dragon mark with disdain.

Ah! That makes sense! I mean not really, but I can see the scenario. Raiona stopping a berserk young Celphi, blood everywhere.

‘A fully colored promise mark, or what mostly refer to as spousal mark, would appear after intimate relations. And, true for all soul-ties, would only appear if there is love between the two.’

‘What about people who have multiple partners?’

‘A blurred promise mark could also appear if after procreating, only one party has actual love. If the other one has some sort of trust at least, but not love, it would manifest like your one. Faint dark color.’

Marik glanced quickly at my back, thousand thoughts racing through his mind.

‘If the love is mutual, then a full colored one should come forth.’

I get it. So blood or ahem, bloodily fluid, sort of exchange, triggers the bond. Any situation that requires having trust on each other and exchanging said fluids solidifies the bond.

‘Thank you for explaining very well. You mentioned people having multiple marks on purpose. What does that mean?’

I was so intent on taking all the information I could. I am grateful that Marik is an open book about all these things. I felt that I am finally getting somewhere in understanding this world and this predicament.

’Depends on the partner. If they’re powerful enough, the one marked can get a small skill from the one marking them.’

Is this why he said women only collect marks and not actually love their partner? Wait a minute! Does that mean I get something from Celphi? Hmmm… I feel like Marik won’t be the correct person to ask this.

‘It could be a stronger woman marking the weaker man. But most of the time in those cases, the man involved tend to be the tempter. Having charm but wield no power.’ Marik said with an eye roll.

Oh! That’s interesting! So kind of like a sugar baby and a sugar mommy arrangement! Even in this world, good looks could get you all sort of promotions!

‘Thank you! I get how the bond works now. How about what am I doing here?’ I looked to Marik with all seriousness. He responded by pulling me much more closer to him, his face contorted to what I assume him trying to be the tempter. 

Try it. Just try it you dumbass. 

He must’ve seen the annoyed, almost angry look on my face as he stopped right before he pulled me onto his lap.

If he pushed further, I would’ve started hating him… It is infuriating! He teases and right before crossing the boundary, he stops. Then he tries to flex his muscle or flip his hair as if it was nothing. And he does look amazing. Damn it! I am annoyed and found his antics increasingly funny and adorable at the same time. He is so simple and predictable.

‘What kind of past did you and Raiona have together? How did it come about? How did you meet and what did you do together?’

After taking a deep breath, with a hint of a reminiscent smirk, Marik looked into my eyes, and opened his palm. Inside was a chipped green rock and a red stone.

’Are those some of the crystals you picked up from the gem shower before?’

’So you do remember something?’ His face lit up.

‘Unfortunately no. I just happened to stumble on Raiona’s journal.’

Marik looked disappointed, even hurt.

Sorry. Why do I feel that it was my fault.

’Showing you would be faster.’

I nodded.

‘Maybe you’d even fall in love with me once more. After you see how cute I was.’

I giggled and shook my head no. 

‘Pass.’

I don't think Raiona even looked at you that way Marik. Sorry.

I took the green gem offered to me and as I touched it, fragments of Marik’s memory came rushing into my vision, overwhelming me.