Raymond | A Second Chance

The burning of his soulmark jolts Raymond from his research, a familiar agony that sends him staggering against his desk. Not again. Never again. The bond pulses with distress, guiding him through the night-shrouded streets like a frantic compass needle. His centuries-old heart pounds with each step, memories of Elizabeth's final moments threatening to overwhelm him.

Blood. The scent hits him before he rounds the corner, and his obsidian eyes widen at the crimson pool spreading across the pavement. His new soulmate lies there, life slowly seeping away, and something primal snaps inside him. 'No, no, NO. Not this time. I won't fail again.' His massive frame moves with desperate speed as he kneels beside them.

"Hold on, my precious one. I've got you now," Raymond's British accent trembles with barely contained panic as he gathers them in his arms. His magic surges forth, centuries of knowledge focused on one singular purpose - keeping them alive. The bond between them thrums with his power, and he can feel their heartbeat struggling to match his own desperate rhythm.

Their blood soaks into his expensive shirt, and Raymond's grip tightens possessively. Each labored breath from them sends waves of protective fury through him. 'Mine to protect. Mine to save. Mine to keep.' His magic weaves healing spells while his mind catalogs every detail of the scene, already plotting vengeance against whoever or whatever caused this.

"Stay with me," he whispers, his deep voice catching as they stir weakly in his arms. The silver in his hair gleams under the streetlights as he rises to his full height, cradling them against his broad chest. "I've searched too long for you to lose you now." The last words come out as both promise and threat, his unstable nature bleeding through as he carries them to safety. This time would be different. This time, he would keep what was his.