Page 123 of Academy of the Wicked, Year Two

When her fangs pierce his skin, I half-expect some dramatic magical discharge given the peculiar energy he radiates.

Instead, the connection forms with subtle elegance - golden light briefly illuminating the point of contact before sinking beneath their skin to form what appears to be an intricate pattern resembling interlocked chains.

Zeke's eyes widen, pupils expanding to nearly eliminate the iris completely.

The reaction suggests intensity beyond anticipation - genuine surprise at whatever sensation the connection has triggered.

Gwenivere pulls back after several moments, careful not to take more than necessary despite the evident quality of what's being offered. A small drop of blood escapes the corner of her mouth, which she wipes away with uncharacteristic self-consciousness.

"Your turn," she states, extending her own wrist toward him. "Though I'm not sure what familiar bonds require in return."

Zeke's expression carries reverence that momentarily transcends his usual carefully maintained composure.

"Just a small taste," he assures her. "The connection will form naturally once reciprocity is established."

Instead of biting as expected, he places his palm against her offered wrist. For a moment, nothing happens.

Then his hand transforms partially — human fingers elongating into the more feline configuration, sharp retractable claws extending just enough to pierce her skin without causing unnecessary damage.

The precision of the movement suggests practiced control rather than instinctive response, further evidence that whatever Zeke represents extends beyond ordinary cat shifter capabilities.

When blood wells from the small punctures, he lowers his head with a grace that somehow balances respect with necessity.

The connection that forms when his tongue touches the crimson droplets manifests visibly — threads of golden light extending from the point of contact to wrap around both their forms in elaborate patterns that resemble Gothic architectural support structures.

Interesting. Vampiric bonds form internally first, then manifest externally. This connection seems to operate in reverse — external manifestation preceding internal integration.

The magic settles beneath their skin within moments, leaving behind only a faint golden shimmer that fades to invisible as the bond completes its formation.

Zeke straightens, his eyes now carrying a subtle glow that wasn't present before.

More significantly, his physical appearance has subtly changed. Though still thin, the unhealthy gauntness has diminished slightly, as if the connection itself provides nourishment beyond mere symbolic exchange.

"Done," he announces, voice carrying new resonance that suggests the bond's effects extend beyond mere physical manifestation. "The familiar connection is established."

"How do you feel?" Gwenivere asks, characteristic concern for others evident even amid magical exchanges with potentially world-altering implications.

Zeke's smile transforms his features completely, joy replacing careful composure with an expression of such genuine delight it momentarily disrupts my instinctive dislike of his presence.

"Complete," he admits with disarming honesty. "Like finding a piece I didn't realize was missing."

Damn. That's a good line. I'll have to remember it for later.

Gwenivere turns toward Mortimer, a question evident in her expression before she can verbalize it.

The scholar appears conflicted, scholarly assessment clearly weighing potential benefits against risks neither Zeke nor she might have considered.

"After careful consideration," he states with an academic precision that barely conceals evident emotional turmoil beneath, "I must decline the bond offer."

"Why?" Gwenivere asks; disappointment is evident despite her obvious attempt to respect his decision without pressuring reconsideration.

Mortimer sighs, the sound carrying centuries of considerations impossible to fully articulate within our limited temporal extension.

"Dragon bonds are different from familiar connections," he explains carefully. "Once established, they fundamentally alter the bound individual's magical signature in ways that cannot be reversed without significant consequences for both parties."

His expression softens slightly, scholarly detachment momentarily replaced with something approaching genuine affection.

"While I appreciate the intention," he continues, "my position among the Seven provides unique advantages that would be compromised by such connection. I can better serve your collective escape by maintaining my current status, particularly with the Headmaster's unexpected appearance."

---