The tension in the air was thick enough to cut with a blade.
Arin's mind raced as he processed Celestia's words. A celestial bond? It sounded different from the dark temptations Selene had offered, but was it really any better?
Evelyn's grip on his hand tightened. "Arin, please. We don't know what this means."
Lilith smirked. "Well, if it means Arin gets stronger and I get to see him shirtless more often, I'm all for it."
Seraphina rolled her eyes. "Must you always be this insufferable?"
Celestia ignored their bickering, stepping even closer to Arin. The warmth of her presence was unlike anything he had ever felt—like standing beneath a sky full of stars, infinite and unknowable.
"You've already set foot on a path from which there's no return," Celestia said softly. "With or without my power, you will face Selene again. And next time… she will not be playing games."
Arin exhaled sharply. He knew she was right.
Evelyn frowned. "And this bond of yours? What exactly does it do?"
Celestia turned to her. "It's a connection between Arin and me—a sharing of strength, knowledge, and will. It will allow us to fight together on a level beyond ordinary means. A harmony between light and mortal soul."
Seraphina crossed her arms. "And what's the price?"
Celestia smiled slightly. "Unlike the Abyss, I do not take without giving. There is no price beyond what Arin is willing to offer."
Lilith chuckled. "Oh, I like her. She sounds dangerous in a fun way."
Evelyn still didn't look convinced.
Arin took a deep breath. He had spent too long second-guessing himself. Too long afraid of the choices that had led him here.
This time, he had to decide.
He turned to Celestia.
"I accept."
The moment the words left his lips, the world around them changed.
A golden light wrapped around him, swirling in patterns that felt both ancient and new. Celestia reached forward, pressing her hand against his chest.
"Then let this be our oath."
A surge of warmth flooded through Arin's body. He gasped as knowledge, power, and something deeper—a connection beyond words—took root in his soul.
Celestia smiled. "It's done."
Evelyn's expression was unreadable, but she said nothing.
Lilith nudged her. "Come on, admit it. You're just a little jealous."
Evelyn shot her a glare. "Shut up, Lilith."
Seraphina sighed. "We have bigger concerns than jealousy." She turned to Arin. "What now?"
Arin flexed his fingers, feeling the power thrumming beneath his skin. He could sense Celestia's presence—like a distant star, always shining.
"We prepare," he said, his voice steady. "Selene won't wait. And neither will we."
Celestia's smile was full of something unreadable. "Then let the true battle begin."
---
[TO BE CONTINUED...]