That afternoon, I finally told Naomi everything — every detail of my secret: the stolen meetings, the late-night texts, and the blood covenant. My hands trembled as I spoke, but I needed someone to know.
Naomi's eyes widened as I finished. She sat back for a moment, silent, then shook her head.
"Splendour… what were you thinking?" she asked softly, her voice trembling slightly. "A blood covenant with Alfred? You're only sixteen! Do you even understand what you're doing?"
"I… I love him, Naomi," I admitted, tears threatening to fall. "I know it's risky and forbidden… but I had to make it permanent. I had to make him promise me forever."
Naomi sighed deeply and ran a hand over her face. "I understand that you love him, but this… this is serious, Splendour. A blood covenant is not like saying 'I love you.' It carries consequences. You're risking so much — your safety, your family, your future!"
"I know," I whispered, "but I've thought about it. I can't imagine a life without him. Not now. Not ever. I had to do this."
Naomi paced slowly, her brows furrowed. "You're reckless, Splendour. I'm telling you as your friend. I won't let you get hurt. Promise me you'll think carefully. Your father… your mother… they won't forgive easily if anything goes wrong."
I pulled back, anger mixing with frustration. "Naomi, I don't care what anyone says. I love him. This covenant… it means something to us!"
Naomi's expression softened, but her voice remained serious. "I may not agree, but I'll protect you, my friend. Just promise me you'll watch yourself. You're only sixteen."
"I promise," I said softly.
Later that evening, as I held my phone and saw Alfred's name light up the screen, I knew Naomi's words would stay in my mind. But so would the fire in my heart — the fire I had chosen, the fire that bound me forever to him.