Bonds of Love

Cian could feel his mind clear. The influence of Samantha had been there in his mind for so long now that it was gone it was weird. His training as a spellbinder allowed him to grasp the situation quickly now that his mind was clear. Cian began to gather his strength in his core to use magic to analyze the magics in play within his body. Spellbinders are casters that bind magic to their physical bodies using various methods such as tattoos and rituals to enhance their connection with their trained magic. Not all caster do this because binding magic in this way puts a physical strain on the body. The spellbinder needs to not only train their mind but also their bodies. Casters who focus on training their minds only think of spellbinders as jocks that dabble in magic, but Cian's father is a Battle Magus and taught Cian many of the tricks he knows. Cian's mind was sharp enough to be a different type of caster but he chooses this path knowing that being a Therianthrope would allow him to push his body further than a mortal caster. Spellbinders are attuned to the magic within them more so than other types of casters because if they ignore how their own magic affects their bodies it could kill them. Cian took stock in the spells now bonded with his body. He could feel the malice from Samantha's work. The base spell was placed well before Cian choose his path with spells. That explains why he could not pick up on it. It had been a part of him before he understood magic. Koray's spell was within him as well and counteracting Samatha's spell but he knew that unless he strengthens the bond of Koray's spell it would only be a temporary fix. Cian also knew that both spells are highly illegal and would land Koray and whoever taught her the spell in jail for life. Cian looked over at Jason

"It's okay. I am okay."

Jason's face was filled with worry and anger but at Cian's words, he calmed. Cian stood up and walked over to the man that has been like a father to him.

"You have taken care of me for so long now when my own father didn't. Thank you, Jason." Said Cian

Jason's face filled with emotion. For so long he felt as if he was failing in his personal duty to take care of his late son's friend. Cian did something he has never done before. He embraced Jason in a hug that to Koray's eyes seem like an exchange between father and son.

"I am glad that you are okay Cian. I was worried Koray had done something bad with you."

Cian smiled. "I can understand the confusion. Trust me she has only helped. I am going to drive her home."

Jason faced showed his surprized. Cian has not driven in over a year. "Be safe son."

"Don't worry Jason. I will be fine."

Cian leads Koray out of the house. Cian opened the doors to a BMW four-door sedan. Koray got in and for a moment they sat in silence.

"You know that what I did to you has conditions right?" Said Koray.

"I know but the less Jason knows the better. I am very educated about magic. I also have the ability to analyze magic that applies to my body. Samatha magic is being countered by your magic but I can tell that it is only a temporary fix. So we should talk about exactly what you did."

"I am Hex caster. Curses and bad luck spells. Due to my heritage, my affinity for curses is only stronger. What she did to you is so subtle that only certain spell casters would only be able to know something was wrong with you. Due to how she did the spell there is very little that can help you. That spell will destroy your mind if left unchecked."

"Shit. Considering I almost killed myself I am trusting your assessment." Said Cian.

"The only way to counter the hate I used a curse that binds two people with love Normally the spell would only have the person it was cast on lust after the caster but I changed the spell to bind you and myself in love. The spell allows me to give you commands and as an act of love, you would obey. But I use that to invoke the second stage of this spell. I gave you an order to be free of all mental influences of all spells including the one I cast but that second part of the spellbinds me to you. You will know how I feel and I will know how you feel. If either of us concentrates we will be able to locate the other." Koray stopped out of dread of what else she has to say.

"I know there is more so please don't stop," said Cian.

"The spell will wear off unless we build feelings for each other."

"Feelings?" Cian pressed for more information.

"Love. The more love we have for each other the stronger the spell." Said Koray.

The car was silent on the way to Koray's place. Cian turned off the car.

"I have a therapist. I need to be honest to her but I also need to confront her as well. She should have known about Samantha's spell and she didn't say anything. That means she has been keeping secrets from me."

"When do you see her next?" asked Koray.

"Monday. Though I think we should get to know each other better in the meantime."

Koray smiled. "I would like that a lot."

Koray began to leave the car and Cian grabbed her hand. "Wait."

Cian leaned over towards Koray. Koray felt her heart began to beat faster. She knew that Cian was feeling grateful but she was unsure what he was about to do. Cian brushed her hair out of her face and spoke.

"I know you liked me. And to be honest, I was attracted to you as well but my mind was clouded before and now you are worried that any interest I have for you is the spell. It isn't. My mind is free now and what I do from here is all me." Cian draws Koray to him and kisses her forehead. "Goodnight."

Koray's faced flushed and she quickly made her way into the house. Cian could feel her emotions clearly. She was flustered but enjoyed his kiss. Cian turned on the car and went home.

Koray slammed the door shut and pressed her back to the door. Her heart was racing but she was unsure if it was her true feelings or that of the spell she had placed on herself enhancing how she felt.

"Your home early." Said Simone.

"Nope. I just got a ride home from Cian," said Koray.

"OH he gave you a 'ride' huh?" asked Simone.

"Damn it Simone why do you turn everything sexual?" Koray shot back.

"Because as long as I have known you you have been so focused on being a badass that you forget to have fun. Hell. Go out, get laid, do something wild." Said Simone.

Koray faced flushed. "I have other things I need to focus on Simone."

Simone could tell that her lifelong friend was hiding something but didn't press the issue.

"Simone I need to tell you something. I did a thing." Said Koray.

Simone could see Koray's expression and knew that it was serious.