Page 62 of A Thread of Breath and Bone

Chapter 24

Raea

It’s late when we reach the cottage. The space is small and inviting, filled with the scent of old wood and the ocean air. It feels like a world where 'Princess' and 'Prince' are words we left at the door. I glance at my ring—the verdant moss stone catching the firelight—and my heart squeezes.

Choice.

He has given me the one thing I was born without.

Ryker brings my hand to his mouth as the door clicks open, revealing a small yet inviting space. There’s well-worn furniture and shelves laden with books and trinkets. It looks like a cozy space that’s been well used and well loved.

Ryker leads me to the bathroom and turns on the faucet. “Take a quick dip to warm your muscles, and I’ll be back in a moment.”

I do as he says, slipping from my dress and sinking into the warm water, quickly scrubbing myself. I can’t help but stare at the ring.

My mate just proposed to me.

Ryker has never pushed or forced anything with me. Again and again, he’s proven it has always been my choice. He’s always given me one, even from the beginning. A moment later, Ryker returns with a bag and that smirk on his face that brings out that adorable dimple.

“I had Mera pack you a bag in case we decided to stay the night.”

“She knows you were proposing?”

He nods, his hands slipping into his pockets as he leans against the door frame. Gods, I want him so much.

“The only one outside of our parents, Julianna, and the jeweler, of course. I’ll let you sort through what’s in there. I’ll just be in the bedroom to the right.” As he turns to leave, he pulls his shirt from his waistband and over his head.

I don’t waste a minute searching for my toothbrush. I dry off quickly, finding a short, silken gown. It’s a piece I recognize from the wardrobe for after the Ceremony. Heat floods my body as I slip into the soft gown, noticing how short it is. A black lace trim hangs from the hem, and the back is open with a deep plunge. I slip on a matching robe over me, brushing out my hair, then my teeth.

With shaky legs and nerves leaving me with a buzz, I exit the bathroom, finding Ryker in his room. He’s sprawled out on his bed in nothing but sleep pants. The room is dark aside from the glow of the fire in the hearth and some strategically placed candles. The windows are open, allowing for a breeze to float freely through the room.

As Ryker saunters toward me, his muscles rippling with a restraint that makes my breath catch, the Aethermark doesn't just hum—it purrs. His heart beats within my own chest, a rhythmic reminder that our souls aren't just aligned—they are somehow fused.

“Hi,” I whisper shakily.

He stops before me, slides a hand to my nape and brings my forehead to his lips. “Hi. You sure about this? We can just sleep.”

I shake my head. I don’t want to think anymore. I don’t want to overanalyze the way my heart is racing or how my breath keeps catching in my chest. I let the robe slip from my shoulders, watching it pool at my feet.

Ryker’s nostrils flare as he drinks me in. “Fuck,” he groans.

The way he looks at me—like I’m something rare, something treasured—makes my courage bloom. I loosen the tie holding up my hair and let it fall freely around my shoulders. When I place my hand on his chest and gently guide him backward, he goes without hesitation, settling onto the edge of the bed.

His hands slide to my waist, warm and steady, drawing me closer until I’m standing between his knees. “If you want to stop, say so and we will, okay?”

I meet his sapphire gaze, seeing the storms of silver glittering like the stars outside. In response, I pull him to me. I want every smile, every laugh, and every touch of this night committed to memory.

This is my choice.

Not the Bond’s.

Not fate’s.

Mine.

My fingers trace over his tattoos. The Okenen octopus on his left bicep, the waves that crest on his neck, then with deliberate slowness, I follow the same path on his neck with my tongue, tasting him.

He shudders beneath me. I remember on the first day of school, I had imagined doing exactly this. Even back then I felt drawn to him without fully understanding why.