Nathaniel was waiting for them.
He stood near the entrance of the private study, his arms crossed, his expression unreadable. The low glow of the desk lamp cast long shadows across the walls, making the room feel smaller than it was. Amelia had spent countless nights in this house growing up, but tonight, it felt foreign. Unfamiliar.
Celeste lingered behind her, hesitant, as if stepping too far into this space might make her presence unravel. Amelia tightened her grip on her hand, a silent reassurance. She belongs here.
Nathaniel's gaze flickered to their joined hands before settling on Amelia. "You've made your decision."
It wasn't a question.
Amelia lifted her chin. "Yes."
Nathaniel sighed, stepping forward. "Do you even understand what this means?"
Celeste tensed, but Amelia held firm. "I understand enough."
Nathaniel exhaled sharply, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Amelia, this isn't something you can undo. A soul bond isn't just a contract—it's irreversible. If something goes wrong, there is no alternative. No safety net." His eyes darkened. "If she fades, you fade with her."
Silence crashed between them.
Celeste inhaled sharply. Amelia felt her flinch, but she didn't let go. She wouldn't let go.
"I know the risks," Amelia said. Her voice was steady, unwavering. "And I don't care."
Nathaniel's expression flickered, something between frustration and resignation. He shook his head. "Of course you don't." He turned toward Celeste, his gaze sharp yet not unkind. "And you? You're willing to bind yourself to her, knowing what it will cost?"
Celeste met his eyes, and for the first time, there was no hesitation. "I never wanted to be temporary."
Nathaniel studied her for a long moment. Then, he sighed, rubbing a hand over his jaw. "You're both reckless."
Amelia almost smiled. "You raised me."
Nathaniel let out a short breath of amusement before his expression hardened once more. "Then we don't have time to waste."
He stepped toward the bookshelf, pressing his palm against a hidden panel. A soft click echoed through the room, and a portion of the wood slid aside, revealing a darkened passageway leading downward. Cold air rushed up from the hidden corridor, making Celeste shiver.
Amelia frowned. "What is this?"
Nathaniel met her gaze. "If we're going to do this, we have to do it right." He gestured toward the passage. "Come on."
Celeste hesitated. "And if I don't walk out of here the same?"
Nathaniel's gaze softened, just for a moment. "Then we fight to make sure you do."
Amelia squeezed her hand. "Together."
Celeste swallowed, nodded, and took the first step into the dark.