Then I held out my hand.
She took it immediately.
No hesitation.
Warmth exploded through me the second our palms touched.
Mine.
The bond practically purred.
I glanced briefly toward Raven and Serena.
“Thank you, Draugr,” I said quietly. “Will you bear witness for me?”
Raven’s eyes sharpened instantly.
Understanding flashed there.
Then he asked his mate and nodded solemnly when she agreed.
Good.
Very good.
The claiming would proceed properly.
As we crossed deeper into the festival grounds, I remained hyperaware of everything around us.
The crowds.
The shadows.
Potential threats.
Music drifted through the night air alongside the scent of sugar, smoke, and magic while students and Monsters celebrated beneath floating lights.
Runevald looked beautiful tonight.
But I only cared about the female walking beside me.
Amrin kept squeezing my hand unconsciously every few steps like she needed reassurance I was truly here.
The tiny gesture wrecked me repeatedly.
Meanwhile, I could barely focus on anything she said because my instincts remained consumed by the simple fact she smelled like me.
Mine.
Gods.
I was becoming insufferable.
We finally spotted Professor Franco near the center plaza speaking animatedly with several faculty members beside an enchanted observatory display.
“Sten,” Amrin whispered softly, tightening her fingers around my arm. “There he is.”
I guided us through the crowd immediately, shielding her body instinctively from jostling students and drunken Shifters.
