Why would someone like Amrin willingly bind herself forever to a celestial Monster burdened by prophecy and duty?
Panic clawed viciously through my chest.
“Luna,” I blurted, dropping immediately to one knee before her. “I know this must sound frightening and insane and overwhelming, but I swear to you I will spend the rest of my existence loving you, cherishing you, protecting you if you let me.”
The words poured out faster now.
Desperate.
Raw.
“I know moving to another realm sounds terrifying, but you would never face it alone. I would keep you safe. I would cherish you. Gods, Amrin, my love, please?—”
“You love me?” she whispered shakily.
The question stopped me cold.
Not because of what she asked.
Because of how impossible she seemed to find the answer.
Like the idea itself stunned her.
Pain and hope twisted viciously through my chest.
How many people failed this woman before me?
And how lucky was I that the Fates had chosen me to show her what true love meant?
“I love you more than my own life,” I answered honestly.
Then she launched herself at me.
I caught her instantly with a startled grunt, rising smoothly to my feet while her arms wrapped fiercely around my neck.
Relief crashed through me so violently my knees weakened.
Her mouth found mine again immediately.
Warm.
Soft.
Desperate.
“I love you too, Sten. Oh, do I call you Menon now? I don’t even care, I just love you,” she whispered against my lips.
Fuck.
Hearing my true name from her mouth did something primal to me.
“Say it again,” I demanded roughly.
I wanted, no I needed to hear it again.
Her eyes darkened beautifully.
“I love you.”
