Cas didn't sleep.
Not because he couldn't, though the phantom ache of the Severer's spell still hummed through his bones.
But because Evren had kissed him.
And then walked away like it hadn't happened.
Like he hadn't poured every ounce of emotion into that one impossible moment.
Now Cas sat alone by the fire again, legs pulled to his chest, watching embers dance in the dark. The bond thread still glowed between them, faint and alive, stretching from his chest across camp to where Evren stood—back turned, sword in hand, facing the trees like they might attack.
Cas wanted to say something. Anything.
Instead, he said the dumbest thing he could think of:
"So. That was… dramatic."
Evren didn't move.
Cas cleared his throat. "You gonna pretend it didn't happen, or should I just pencil it into our trauma timeline?"
Silence.
Then finally—soft, barely above the wind:
"I shouldn't have done that."
Cas flinched. Not at the words. At the way he said them.
"I was dying," Cas said. "It kind of felt like the right time."
Evren still didn't turn. "That's not what I mean."
Cas stood slowly. "Then what do you mean?"
The bond pulled gently, a tether between them buzzing with unspoken heat.
Evren's shoulders tensed. "You don't understand what it means to be bonded to me. What kind of danger that brings. What I've done. What I am."
"You think I care?"
"You should."
Cas stepped closer, fists clenched. "Then stop pretending this is nothing."
Evren finally turned—and his eyes were full of fire and guilt and something aching.
"I'm not allowed to want you," he said, voice breaking. "But gods help me, I do."
🔔 Emotional Sync Increased: 49%
New Emotion Registered: Suppressed DesireNew Passive Perk: Shared Vulnerability – Increases magic strength when emotionally exposed
Cas didn't respond.
Because at that exact moment, Brielle sauntered into camp holding a dead rabbit and smirking like the cat who caught the entire flock.
"Well," she said cheerfully. "Looks like something happened while I was out."
Cas turned bright red.
Evren immediately stormed off again.
Brielle laughed so hard she dropped the rabbit.
Later – The Arrival
The next day, they were packing to move camp when the warning bells in Cas's system flared.
🔔 SYSTEM NOTIFICATION
Nearby Bonded Pair DetectedClass: Mercy-WrathSync Level: 72%Status: UNKNOWN – Observe with caution
Before Cas could say anything, two figures stepped through the trees.
A woman in crimson armor, elegant and smiling like a knife. And behind her, a tall man with a shadowy aura and warhammer on his back.
The woman spoke first.
"Forgive the interruption," she said, voice smooth. "We've been tracking your bond signature. You're… new, aren't you?"
Evren stepped forward, blade already half-drawn.
"Who are you?"
The woman smiled wider.
"I'm Selene. This is Kael. And we're here to test your compatibility."
Cas raised a brow. "Test?"
Selene tilted her head.
"Let's just say… not all bonded pairs are meant to survive. And not all bond types deserve to exist."
Evren's hand tightened on his sword.
Cas felt the bond between them hum with rising tension.
🔔 BATTLE PENDING
Trial Duel Initiated – Mercy-Wrath vs Warden-Keeper
Objective: Survive. Sync. Ascend.