The Yûkoth

The Yûkoth is a sacred rite performed to sever the bond between ill-fated lifemates. This grueling process involves surgically extracting the Soul-Tether (vayrel), an ethereal cord that links two compatible souls, or resides in the chest of incompatible mates.

Process

• Incompatible lifemates: The ritual requires the use of ethereal surgical tools that can tap into Vital Essence, allowing the Elders to extract the Soul-Tether from each partner’s chest cavity.

It is impossible to break apart compatible Lifemates as the Soul-Tether is intangible.

Symbolism

The ritual takes place in sacred spaces adorned with blue eternal flames, symbolizing the enduring nature of their bond. Participants often carry fragments of each other’s Soul-Tether as mementos after the Yûkoth.

Emotional Toll

Breaking the bond is emotionally draining for both partners. It is said that the first to break eye contact during the ritual will be the one left most bereft, symbolizing a lingering connection.