Gideon's mind was a complete mess right now. He just could not believe what was going on.

When he thought back to all the things that had happened since he had woken up until now, they were all obvious signs that he could not even deny. Every single one of them were pointing to that one and irrefutable fact. The unbearable feelings he had felt surging within him the moment he realised that she had left, the intense and mind-numbing jealousy that hit him and inexplicable killing intent he had felt just by seeing her holding onto another man's arm, and that moment when she had reached out her hands to him and their palms collided… all of the reactions he had been feeling were just causing the bells within his head to ring out louder and louder. He had no doubt felt it… there was no mistaking it as anything else… he could not even lie to himself even if he wanted to! It was just as clear as day. Especially now, with him burning up like this for no apparent reason… She, Vera… she was his mate! 

Dark faes are not able to sense their mates in the very instant they meet their fated ones. How it works is that the mating bond sparks between the fated ones differently for each pair. Many were oblivious about the existence of their bonds until it suddenly sparks in a certain intense moment. It has been said that mating bonds have sparked the moment an individual felt like their soul was being touched. 

When a dark fae's soul is touched, a few things might happen to them to signal that they have finally met their fated one. They might end up losing their strength, or their magic might weaken for a time whenever they are near their mate, no matter how powerful they were. They might also experience effects to the extent of feeling like their bodies are producing an extreme heat until the mating bond is completed or accepted by their mates. 

However, there are always the negatives that come with the positives. If in the event that the mating bond is being rejected by the other party – though this is usually extremely rare and had only happened a few times to the ones who were already happily married – it is not only the party who reject the bond would suffer certain consequences, but sadly, the rejected party would suffer the backlash as well. Both parties would be cursed to suffer the rejection of the mating bond for a long period of time. The only difference was that the one who rejected the bond would have to suffer more severely as they were the ones who wilfully rejected what the fates had willed for them. The dark faes view this as very unfair. 

This was why, though having a mate was not a very common practice even in the Under Lands as many dark faes never end up finding their mates in their lifetimes, it was not something they would grieve about. For the dark faes, having a mate is not necessarily viewed as a good thing anyway. 

In fact, to most, it would be more accurate to say that that they thought of it as more of a curse than a blessing. Not only it was due to the punishment of the curse the rejecting party would have to bear, but also there were certain additional difficulties they might face. The majority of the dark faes called the difficulties as 'complications'. And these complications were very hard to figure out as they vary from couple to couple, and the severity varies as well. 

As soon as the mating bond is completed and solidified between the pair, some couple can 'hear' each other's thoughts in their own minds, where others can feel each other's emotional and physical pain. There were others that could not bear it if they do not get to see their mate for an extended amount of time, and there were also some who end up getting too obsessed and possessive over their mates that they would attack and even kill anyone who dared to touch them. There were also mates who – though very rare – would end up dying together with their mates the moment their other half passes on. And this rare case was also known as mates who are being life bonded.

And the most complicated part about this was that a couple can experience more than one of these complications and there was no way of telling which form of complication would apply to them. It could be as simple as just hearing the other's thoughts or feeling their emotions. But it could also go to the extent of having their lives linked to their mate's. Therefore, the dark faes do think of having a mate bond as something that is nerve wrecking to say the least.

"Gideon? Are you listening to me?" Vera called out again as she waved her hand before his face. That action pulled him back to reality. 

Gideon focussed his eyes on her, and he could barely stop himself from pulling her into his embrace. He could only growl out low in frustration as he clamped down harshly on his desires. His mind was already a mess, and now his body was acting up too. Why?! Why was this happening to him? And now of all times!

The fear that bubbled forth within his chest was even stronger now. Because he knew that with his terrible fate, he had a strong hunch that in their case, their mating bond would be the one involving the life bond. Meaning that, if something does happen to him… she… Vera might… Wait… with his luck, it might even be the rarer form of the life bond… the soul bond! If that ends up happening to them, what will happen to Vera?!

"F*ck!" he cursed under his breath. He could not believe this was happening right now. Of all times, why was it now that the spark of the mating bond had to be triggered between them? "Why? Tell me, why is this happening?!" he had not realised he had voiced his agitation out, until he heard her weak voice apologising to him, saying sorry again in a teary tremor.

He then lifted his eyes with a silent groan within himself. But when he saw her beautiful large eyes gleaming with unshed tears, he felt as though his heart was being ripped apart into shreds. Every emotion he was feeling towards her was now being amplified many folds. It was now so much stronger compared to previously that it was almost overwhelming his rational mind. 

"No, don't… Please!" he cupped her face, his voice begging. He did not know what he would do if this person started crying now. With all these uncontrollable feelings and emotions within him, he was not even sure if he could keep himself going straight or he might just end up flying off the track. "F*ck. I should be the one saying sorry. Forgive me… no, don't forgive me! I'm so sorry…" he hugged her tight, as his body trembled again, not sure what he was saying or how he could make himself clear. He knew he was confusing her with his speech like this. 

"I don't understand… why… what are you saying –" Vera shook her head minutely as her brows creased adorably. Gideon looked at that endearing expression on her face and let out a shaky breath.

"Because I can no longer let you go, Vera." 

____

Dear Spellbounders,

Again, merry christmas my loves. I also just want to take this oppurtunity to express how thankful i am to all of you guys for all the generosity and love and support. Not only just for the generous gifts and the motivating comments but also for buying priv every month even though i know its a bit expensive for many of you. I just want you to know i really, really appreciate it. You guys really are helping me a lot financially. You guys are like my sugar moms/dads/siss/bros. Without you guys i think I'll just say bye bye to my daily delicious and expensive coffee suplies. 😅 Yes, this author drinks 4-5 cups of coffee everyday 😬. 

So again, thank you and i wish you all and your families a happy christmas. 

Love, kazzenlx

P.s.. all i wish for this christmas is for all of you to stay with me again next year. ♡♡

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