The deep familiar voice behind me sent electricity racing down my spine instantly.
“You will pass. And you will stay at Runevald. With me.”
My heart slammed violently against my ribs.
Serena grinned brightly over my shoulder.
I pressed trembling hands against my chest before turning slowly.
And the world disappeared.
The crowds.
The music.
The floating lanterns.
Everything blurred into meaningless noise the second I saw him.
Sten.
He was here.
And Gods.
There was something different about him tonight.
Not just the clothes.
Though yes—the dark navy leather fitted across his broad chest and powerful arms should honestly have been illegal.
The straps and buckles crossing his body looked almost ceremonial beneath the glowing festival lights.
But it was more than that.
He looked brighter.
His blue skin shimmered subtly like someone scattered starlight across his body.
Silver-blue runes glowed faintly beneath the surface while his luminous eyes fixed entirely on me with such devastating intensity my knees nearly gave out.
He made a low rough sound deep in his throat as he looked me over slowly from head to toe.
Pure male appreciation.
And gods help me—I loved it.
“So beautiful, my Luna,” he whispered.
The nickname wrapped around me like a physical touch.
Then he held out his hand.
Without hesitation, I took it.
Warmth exploded instantly through my entire body the second our palms touched.
Home.
