Animae Socius

We stepped out of the shadows together, hand in hand, emerging into the cool embrace of the night. The moon hung low in the sky, a silver crescent that bathed the world in a gentle glow. The air was still, the kind of quiet that speaks of secrets and stories yet to be told.

I turned to Damon, his presence a comforting feeling at my side. “Where are we?” I whispered, my voice barely more than a breath.

He smiled, a knowing glint in his eyes. “Somewhere safe, somewhere we can talk freely,” he replied, leading me down a path lined with whispering trees. Their leaves rustled softly, as if they were privy to the night’s confidences.

We walked in silence, the connection between us a tangible thread woven from shared experiences and unspoken understanding. The castle was behind us now, its towering silhouette a dark shape against the starlit sky.

Finally, we arrived at a clearing, the grass beneath our feet dew-kissed and soft. Damon released my hand, only to cup my face gently in his. “Caroline,” he began, his voice serious, “what happened back there… your ability to shadow walk, it changes everything.”

I met his gaze, the weight of his words settling in my heart. “I know,” I said. “I can feel it. There’s a power inside me, one that’s been hidden until now.”

Damon nodded. “The amulet did more than conceal your powers; it kept them dormant. But now that they’ve awakened, you must learn to control them, to harness them. You have a potential that even the crystals couldn’t predict.”

A shiver ran down my spine, not from fear, but from the realization of the truth in his words. “Teach me,” I urged. “I want to understand, to be able to protect myself and those I care about.”

He regarded me with a mixture of admiration and concern. “It won’t be easy. The path you’re about to embark on is fraught with danger and discovery. But I promise you, I will be with you every step of the way.”

The look in his eyes had been so sincere I leaned into him while I staired into his eyes. “Thank you, Damon. That means more to me then you will ever know.” He leaned down to meet my lips with his own. The kiss was soft and sweet, it told me so much more than his words did.

He pulled away from me, “you know I believe I won the game.” He said kissing me again this time hungrier than before. “I believe my reward is a night all alone in bed with you.” He nipped my lip playfully.

He pulled me back into the shadows with him. Our missy forms moved together through the darkness; we danced around one another intertwining as one. We stepped out of the darkness in my room.

Damon brushed his fingers through my dark locks, “you are truly amazing Caroline.” He gently kissed my lips, “I want to complete the bonding process.”

I nodded in understanding, “So you will drink from me?” I then remembered what Lucius had said, “will it make you stronger? Unlock new powers?”

He spoke softly sucking is a breath of air. Like this is a conversation he has been trying to avoid. “Yes, but not from what my brother thinks. It is because you are my animae socius.”

He has used that name several times before, but he has never shared the meaning of it. “Will you tell me what that means? I have heard you use it before, but I don’t understand why.”

I watched his ever movement looking for any trace of reaction, “It means companion of the soul. A better understanding of the term is soul mate.”

“I don’t understand,” I replied breaking the silence that had fallen around us. “I thought Deaken was my soul mate.” I breathed out, my heart was frantically searching for an escape.

He pulled me into his arms holding me firm against him. “It’s not unheard of to have several mates. Most are lucky to find one, but we live very long lives.” He kissed the top of my head, “I have searched for you for centuries Caroline.”

Shaking my head, “Lucius said I had a mark on me. Some symbol, it would bring out some dormant powers in your blood line.” I throw my hands out waving them frantically, “He wanted to kill me so your father nor you could unlock it.”

Dmaon took my face in his hands, “I am not sure what he speaks of but the only way to know for sure is to try.” His gentle touch helped calm me down. “Being my animae socius will make us both stronger. We will be able to pull strength from one another. Inside our magic is like a pool of water. It grows over time, but it has limits. Once we are linked, we can tap into each other's.” He brushed my hair behind my shoulder. “Do you trust me, Caroline?” I nodded my head unsure if I could speak. “I need to hear you say it, Caroline. I need to know you trust me.”

“Yes Damon, I trust you.” I don’t know when I started to fall in love with him or when he gained my trust but, in that moment, I had no doubt that I trusted him with my life. Damon and Deaken meant everything to me.

He placed small butterfly kisses along the side of my neck. His lips leaving a trail of need as my eyes fluttered close. Leaning into him I gave him full control over my body. The soft scrap of his fangs had me moaning in his grasp already. It was a playful tease and I wanted more of. “Mmm...” I breathed out, “don’t stop.”

His light laugh made me feel giddy with anticipation, “This will only hurt for a moment.” He kissed me again and again, “Then I promise I will make you feel incredible.”

Damon, being true to his word bit done on my pulsing vein. At first all I could think of was how painful it was when Lucius had thorn into me. Then he took his first pull of my blood, and it was like a shot of pure pleasure. I clamped my thighs trying to stop the orgasm that slammed into like nothing I have ever experienced. I trashed in his hold moaning, “Damon.” I cried out, “I want to drink from you like this. I want you to feel this good.” My head dropped to his shoulder as he drank, I couldn’t stop the need to bite him as well until my teeth had sunk into him. I was rewarded with a moan of my own in return.

His lips let go of my throat as his head rolled back in ecstasy. “Fuck Caroline you have no idea how good you taste.” He reached down and licked up any blood left on my neck.

I licked him clean, not leaving a trace of blood behind, feeling satisfied in every way. “I need you, my lord. Please take me to bed.” I spoke seductively in his ear. His sharp intake of breath was my only warning as he threw me on the bed.