A bond is formed

As you cross back to your own ship, Captain Ben is there to greet you. “So, what did you…oh, who is this?”

You nod to him. “She was sealed in some kind of device below decks, it looks like she is what they used to power their ship. She’s an efreet, I’m taking her to my cabin. Have any of our prisoners woken up yet?”

Ben shakes his head. “No. There’s only three of them, Ferra didn’t leave much behind.”

You nod, the image of the man you killed flashing in your mind. Banishing the wave of guilt, you sigh. “As soon as one wakes up, come get me, please. Ferra has their charts. The ship is mostly empty, I would say send some people to scavenge what they can, then cut it loose.”

Ben nods. “Got it. Good luck with the…efreet.”

With that, you and Ferra make your way to your private cabin. Once inside, you carefully lay the unconscious efreet on your bed. Suddenly her eyes flutter open, and her gaze locks on yours. She scrambles backwards on the bed, a look of panic on her face.

“Where am I? Who are you? What’s happening?”

You lift your hands to calm her. “It’s ok, you’re safe. I cut you out of that…thing on their ship, and you fell unconscious. You’re in my cabin, no one is going to hurt you here.”

She stares at you for a moment with those glowing eyes, and you see the tension in her body release. With a cry, she throws herself onto you, hugging you tightly. She sobs into your shoulder.

“Oh, thank you! I thought I was going to die in there…thank you…”

You gently rub her back, noting that her skin is still very warm to the touch, though not uncomfortable. You are, however, intensely aware of her femininity, scantily clad as she is.

After a few more sobs, she collects herself and releases you, kneeling on the bed. “I owe you my life…I am called Alex, and I will do anything you ask of me. From this moment, we are bonded.”

You blink. “There’s no need for that, Alex. I am Nicholas, and this is Ferra. This is my ship, but as soon as we reach land, you’re free to go.”

She shakes her head. “Again, I thank you, but no. I will follow you. My debt to you cannot be repaid.”

You sigh. “Ok, Alex. Welcome to the team, I guess. I can get you a cot or something, unless you rather have your own room.”

Alex smiles. “No need. I will be with you. As I said, we are bonded, and that means I pledge myself to you, completely. This is a sacred thing to efreeti.”

She turns to Ferra for the first time, and seems to study the golem girl. “Your eyes…are you a spirit as well?”

Ferra shakes her head. “I am not. I am a golem, created by a goddess and given life by another, and I am Nicholas’s companion, bodyguard, and lover.”

Alex blinks, seemingly surprised. “There’s so much there…lover? I didn’t think golems could feel that way.”

Ferra turns to you, sharing her small smile. “Another goddess gave me the gift of emotion, and Nicholas has earned my love.”

You chuckle. “I suppose, in her way, Ferra is bonded with me, and I am with her.”

Alex nods, smiling. “I see. I am fortunate, then. A bondmate who is kind and caring. Not a burden, but a gift. And…you’re cute, too.”

Now you blush, and Alex smiles wider. “It truly is a good day. Now then, to seal the bond.”

She leans forward and kisses you full on the mouth. You almost pull away in surprise, but she wraps her arms around you, holding you close. There’s the definite tingling sensation of magic, and the kiss becomes quite passionate. After what feels like forever, Alex leans back, a smoldering look in her eyes.

“It is done, we are bonded. I am yours, my bondmate.”

She smiles crookedly. “Now, there’s a less traditional way to celebrate, if you’d like. Your pretty golem girl can join us as well…”

Before you can answer, there’s a knock at the door, and Captain Ben’s voice can be heard.

“Nicholas? Hate to interrupt you, but one of the prisoners is awake.”

You sigh, and Alex grins.