[stepping into the circle, Dantes extends his hand to grasp Andersen's, inhaling and straightening up to show that he was as serious about this as one could be. a Bond. the Witch presiding nods, and indicates that they should make their vows. as the circle illuminates beneath their feet, he feels a slight warmth in his chest, where he thinks his spiritual core would be in his usual body.]

I tether myself to you as my partner to fight alongside, to stand against the mysteries of this world, to aid and abet each other in due course, through the flames of the abyss, the depths of the sea, and the blackest of nights. This I swear as Edmond Dantes.

[names give things power, and he places his in this to make it as true as he can. even with his reluctance earlier, this would run deeper than disguising it from the world.]