Beginning the Ritual

"The first step to forming a seed of witchcraft is to place it within your body," Amahle said. "I'll place the seed in your chest, close to your heart. There, it will sprout roots that will surround your heart, drawing on your energy to empower the seed." 

Ashlynn's hand unconsciously moved to her chest, fingers pressing against the spot where her heart beat steadily beneath. Within her chest, she could feel her own heartbeat, steady and strong, along with the echo of Nyrielle's heartbeat, slower, fainter, but no less present than it had been on the first day she woke after forming her blood pact with the vampire. 

This was the farthest apart they'd been since that night, and Ashlynn could feel the echo growing fainter still, but when she focused on it, her bond with her lover felt just as strong as it ever had. Quiet and faint didn't mean weak.