Page 42 of Unbearable Attraction
"What do you mean?"
"Bonds of this nature don't form by accident," Varric replied. "They require compatible souls, complementary magical signatures, spiritual resonance that occurs perhaps once in a generation."
"Are you suggesting they're fated mates?" Miriam asked with wonder.
"I'm suggesting their bond serves purposes beyond individual desires," Varric corrected diplomatically. "Mate bonds often strengthen magical protections around supernatural communities, creating stable anchor points for defensive magic."
Elder Bram's suspicion deepened. "Or they create security risks when one partner's loyalty manipulates the other's decisions."
"The practical question," interrupted the witch Council member, "is whether this pact can be implemented without destroying our community's autonomy. Acknowledging historical wrongs is one thing, but ongoing spiritual oversight could limit our independence."
"It could also provide unprecedented access to spiritual knowledge and protective magic," Miriam countered. "If they serve as bridges between our community and the spirit world, we might gain insights lost for centuries."
The political maneuvering that followed revealed the complex web of alliances governing Hollow Oak's supernatural politics. Some Council members viewed the bond as a valuable asset for strengthening magical defenses. Others worried about the precedent for individual action without approval. A few seemed concerned about the personal cost of such demanding responsibilities.
But underneath the debate, Luka sensed recognition. Whether they admitted it or not, every Council member could feel how his bond with Leenah had changed Hollow Oak's magical atmosphere. The protective barriers felt stronger, more stable.
"The terms of your agreement," Varric said finally, cutting through the political noise. "Can they be modified or are they set in stone?"
"The core commitment is fixed," Luka replied honestly. "Acknowledgment of past wrongs, protection of sacred sites, ongoing cooperation with spiritual entities. But specific implementation could probably be negotiated."
"Good. Then we have room to work." The elder's eyes held calculating intelligence. "The question now is whether this Council will formally ratify a supernatural treaty negotiated by two individuals acting without official authority."
"The question," Elder Bram corrected coldly, "is whether we'll let personal relationships dictate community policy. This bond could compromise their judgment in ways that put everyone at risk."
"Or give us the most effective advocates for supernatural justice this community has ever produced," Miriam said with conviction. "The choice isn't whether to accept their agreement, but whether to support it properly or leave them to handle these responsibilities without institutional backing."
The debate continued until Varric intervened. "We'll take a formal vote at next week's regular session. That gives everyone time to consider implications and consult constituencies."
As the Council dispersed, Varric approached with an expression mixing approval and warning. "You've committed to a difficult path, but probably necessary. Remember that political support can be fickle, especially when personal relationships are involved."
"Are you saying the Council might reject the agreement?"
"I'm saying some members will always be suspicious of power they can't control. Your bond with Miss Carrow represents something new and potentially threatening to established hierarchies. Be prepared for resistance."
"What kind of resistance?"
"The kind that questions your judgment, your loyalty, your ability to make decisions that serve the community rather than your personal interests." Varric's voice grew serious. "Elder Bram isn't the only one who sees your connection as a liability rather than an asset."
"And you? What do you see?"
"I see two people who've found a way to solve a problem the rest of us couldn't even properly identify," the elder replied. "But I also see the challenges ahead. Political opposition is only the beginning. The real test will be whether your bond can weather the pressures of serving as permanent mediators between worlds."
"We'll manage."
"Will you? This isn't just about loving someone, Luka. It's about being responsible for every spiritual crisis that emerges in this valley, every conflict between supernatural communities and otherworldly entities. It's about making decisions that could affect generations while dealing with people who question your right to make them."
The weight of what they'd committed to settled more heavily on Luka's shoulders. "You're trying to scare me."
"I'm trying to prepare you," Varric corrected. "Because if you and Miss Carrow are going to succeed in this role, you'll need to understand that good intentions aren't enough. You'll need political support, community trust, and the kind of partnership that can survive having the fate of others depend on your personal relationship."
"We can handle it."
"I hope so. Because if you can't, the consequences won't just affect your happiness. They'll affect every person and spirit who depends on Hollow Oak's protections." Varric paused. "That said, I've never seen magical barriers respond so positively to a bonding. Whatever you and Miss Carrow have created together, it's already making our sanctuary stronger."
As Luka left the sacred grove, the elder's words echoed in his mind. The political challenges were real, the resistance predictable. But underneath his worry was the steady warmth of his connection to Leenah, reminding him that some things were worth fighting for.
The question wasn't whether they could handle the responsibilities they'd accepted. It was whether Hollow Oak's supernatural community was ready for the changes their bond would bring.
