Kael followed suit. A clean prick on his fingertip, a drop of crimson on ink.
The contract flared once more—then vanished into smoke.
Bound.
Both were now tied to its terms, whether they liked them or not.
Selvaris barked, "Where is my daughter now?"
Kael's eyes narrowed. "Don't shout. Give me my ring."
She snapped back, "Daughter first."
He stared deadpan.
"We've signed a mana contract. If we break it, we both die. So hand it over—quick."
She hesitated, fury and fear battling in her eyes, then reluctantly handed him the ring.
Kael turned, ready to leave.
"Wait!" she cursed, grabbing his arm. "My daughter—"
Kael grimaced. "I've already sent her to your duchy. Go find her there."
Shock froze her.
She had come all this way, only to find Kael had already sent her daughter home.
Then it clicked: this was why he had arrived late.
The bitter sting of humiliation settled deep in her chest.
Without a word, she turned and fled.
