Chapter 20: Blood Contract

It was a finer sword than he had ever seen. Detrick did not feel worthy of it.

The blade measured more than the length of his arm. The hilt was a dark black metal that looked smooth. The cross guard curved in towards the blade slightly.

But it was the large red stone set at the very center of the blade’s crossguard that drew his attention more than anything else. It matched the stone in the gauntlet, except it was three times larger.

Detrick looked over at Cecilia. “I can’t take this,” he said to her.

“Of course you can,” Cecilia said softly, placing her hand on his arm affectionately.

“But why?”

“I love you,” she said. “That’s why.”

“You love me?”

“With all my heart,” she said.

“Thank you,” he said. “I love you too.”

The beautiful smile that spread across her face filled Detrick with joy.

And then her eyes flared to life with their brilliant green light.

“You’ve earned this Detrick,” Cecilia said in the alien voice once again. “Take hold of your sword.”