Sonya approached the tablet and took the stylus, then she cut the tip of her left thumb without hesitation.
A drop of dark blood fell onto the tablet.
The moment it touched the surface, the crimson runes came alive.
Hum!
The tablet absorbed the blood, and a dark red light climbed from it into Sonya's hand.
Her body stiffened.
The light moved beneath her skin, travelled through her arm, and disappeared into her chest. A black horned-beast symbol appeared above her Demon Heart.
Then it faded.
"Your demonic energy," the rune-carver said.
Sonya placed her palm against the tablet and released a controlled stream of demonic energy.
The runes flashed once.
"I accept the oath," she said with a flat tone.
The tablet released a low pulse.
The oath was formed.
Akaza went next. He cut his palm, allowed the tablet to absorb his blood and demonic energy, then accepted the same terms.
Simon was last.
