I Have Reincarnated Yet Once Again
Chapter 30: – Her Second Familiar: Shade.

Chapter 30: – Her Second Familiar: Shade.

They all looked at each other, stunned into silence. The air grew still, thick with the weight of realization.

Lily leaned in slightly, her voice barely above a whisper, laced with disbelief.

Lily: "A soul contract...? But beasts are terrified of that!"

Lora: "Even in the Familiar Realm, most magical beasts avoid it. It ties them forever..."

Claire: "It’s not. just loyalty. It’s submission. Sharing a soul. Means giving up freedom."

Melinda: "That’s rare. Almost impossible."

Evelyn’s expression turned more serious.

She studied the snake for a long moment—its violet eyes glowing faintly, still locked with hers.

Then, calmly, she asked,

Evelyn: "Is that it? You don’t want a blood contract... You want a soul contract instead?"

The serpent, as if understanding every word, immediately lifted its head and nodded—once, twice—frantically.

There was no hesitation.

No fear.

Evelyn remained quiet for a long time, staring at the tiny creature.

[In this world, familiar contracts are divided into two types: Blood Contract and Soul Contract.

1. Blood Contract: Formed through blood and mana, this creates a physical, life-based bond. The familiar obeys the contractor but retains its independence. If the contractor dies, the bond dissolves and the familiar is freed, allowing it to form a new contract with someone else. While this type of contract can be severed, doing so brings intense pain and a temporary loss of power. In rare cases, it may even result in death, which is why few dare to break it once formed.

2. Soul Contract: Formed through soul essence, this bond connects the contractor and familiar on a deep spiritual level, allowing shared thoughts, emotions, and power. If one party dies, the other suffers severe backlash or may die as well. Soul Contracts are rare and extremely powerful, usually formed within the Familiar Realm by entering it through mana and soul consciousness. Because of the high risk and binding nature, most beasts refuse to enter such a contract, seeing it as unfair.]

Evelyn was quite calm. She slowly said to the snake,

Evelyn: "Think carefully. Once this is done... there’s no going back. You’ll be bound to me for life. If I die—so will you."

The snake didn’t flinch.

It stared right back.

And nodded again, firm and unwavering.

A long breath escaped Evelyn’s lips.

Evelyn handed the blade back to Ella, her palm still stained with blood, and lowered her gaze to the little creature before her—as if truly seeing it for the first time.

Evelyn (quietly): "Why do I keep running into stubborn ones..."

Then, almost reluctantly, she reached out with her uninjured right hand, her fingertips brushing against the center of the serpent’s forehead as she closed her eyes.

A faint warmth pulsed beneath her skin, spreading from the point of contact like gentle ripples across still water. The serpent’s eyes glimmered softly, revealing a radiant core of soul essence just above its brow—a glowing wisp of light, fragile yet pure.

The air around them shimmered.

A pale silver light rose between them—soft and pulsing. Magic spiraled gently, weaving threads of silver and violet between Evelyn’s fingers and the serpent’s scaled body. The pressure was different this time—not violent, but deep and resonant, as if awakening something deep within.

To form a soul contract, both hearts must willingly open to one another, forging a bond deeper than blood. She felt the creature’s essence reach out, seeking harmony with her own. Slowly, she relaxed, focusing her mind to welcome it, her palm pressing lightly against the faint glow.

A surge of energy blossomed between them, and an ethereal rune shimmered briefly in the air, enveloping them in a cocoon of translucent light. The bonding mark—a delicate, pulsating symbol —appeared on both her palm and the serpent’s forehead.

The girls watched in awe, not daring to speak.

As the final pulse faded, a deep connection settled within Evelyn’s chest, a promise that neither time nor fate could sever. Their souls were intertwined — a bond of trust, strength, and eternal companionship.

The tension melted almost instantly as the glow faded.

The girls, previously too stunned to speak, suddenly burst into motion.

Melinda clapped her hands together, practically glowing with excitement.

Melinda: "That was incredible! Your Highness, its officially your second familiar now, isn’t it? You should name it!"

Cassy beamed.

Cassy: "Yeah! What’ll you call it?"

The little white serpent curled affectionately around Evelyn’s wrist, its head resting against the mark now glowing faintly on her hand. Its violet eyes blinked up at her, full of quiet curiosity and boundless trust.

Evelyn looked down at the snake, so small yet so resolute.

Evelyn (softly): "Then... how about Shade?"

The little serpent lifted its head and hissed softly—almost as if approving.

Cassy: "Why did you name it that, Your Highness? It doesn’t match its name."

Evelyn smiled faintly, her fingers gently stroking the serpent’s smooth scales as it curled tighter around her wrist.

Evelyn: "Well... Shade is easy to remember alongside Shadow, don’t you think? They sound like companions, two sides of the same coin."

Cassy: "Seriously, Your Highness!!"

Evelyn: "What’s wrong with Shade? Doesn’t it sound nice?

Cassy: "It is nice, But—"

Evelyn cut her off with a teasing smile, her voice light but firm.

Evelyn: "That’s it then. Shade it is. Besides, the serpent seems to agree."

The little creature hissed again, a tiny, approving sound that made Cassy chuckle despite herself. Sometimes, even the smallest things had their own minds.

They spent the rest of the day celebrating Shade, showering the little serpent with affection and quiet admiration. Laughter and gentle chatter filled the air as Evelyn and Cassy enjoyed the rare moment of lighthearted joy.

Eventually, the day dimmed into silence. Servants retired to their quarters, candles flickered out, and Evelyn laid down with Shade curled comfortably beside her pillow.

Shadow has been asleep for a long time and still hasn’t woken up. It feels as if it’s in some kind of hibernation or something.

The serpent’s body radiated faint warmth, its breathing so soft it was barely noticeable. Evelyn drifted into sleep.

The next morning came with a hush.

Evelyn woke earlier than usual, her lashes fluttering open to the soft golden light filtering through the sheer curtains. The air was crisp, the silence broken only by the distant sound of birds chirping and the rustle of morning wind through the leaves. Shade stirred beside her but didn’t follow as she rose from bed. She dressed simply and comfortably.

Evelyn made her way through the quiet palace corridors, her steps light on the marble floor. She passed through the garden arch, down the familiar stone path, and finally emerged into the backyard.

The morning dew clung to the grass like scattered crystals. A thin mist curled low along the edges of the flower beds, and the sky above was a soft palette of rose and gold. Everything was still. Peaceful.

Evelyn breathed in deeply—the scent of damp earth and blooming petals filling her lungs. For a brief moment, the burdens of her pasts, the memories, and the strange events that had unfolded all seemed to pause.

The first rays of sunlight casting soft shadows around her. The world outside awaited her — fresh, still, and full of possibilities.