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Tugging her forward, we made our way to the middle of city where we held the open-air market during the day. At night and after a dresalod battle, even if this one was thwarted, the area was given over to the party.
“The fire is huge.” Rhoslyn gaped at the towering mound of logs taking up the center of the square.
As the flames flickered and cast a warm glow over the city, my heart pounded in sync with the mesmerizing beat of drums radiating through the air.
“The Flame Dance Festival has commenced,” I said loudly by her ear.
It engulfed us in an atmosphere brimming with excitement and celebration.
Rhoslyn's wide eyes took in the vibrant dancers twirling like ethereal beings around the fire. Her hand tightened on mine, sharing this moment.
I smiled at her wonder-filled expression, seeing the celebration we’d held so many times in the past from her eyes. It was vibrant. Exciting. Just like her.
She turned toward me; her gaze reflecting both awe and admiration. "I never imagined such a sight could exist within the city."
Sparks painted patterns across a dark sky as we drew closer together. With an instinctive urge to protect her from any lurking danger, I tugged her into my arms and held her against my chest, my body serving as armor for hers.
We soaked up every detail of our surroundings. I wanted to etch this moment in my heart. It felt new and different—and wonderful—because I was spending this time with her.
A breeze swept through cobblestone pathways lined with stalls selling sweet delicacies, and a hint of a spice wafted past us, its scent mingling with the raw passion lingering between Rhoslyn and me.
I craved her like no other, and I suspected I’d feel this way about her until my dying day.
Curling around her, I kissed her flushed cheek.
The smile she sent me over her shoulder warmed me even more than the flames dancing in her animated eyes. A bond was forming between us that felt like an unbreakable thread weaving patterns across my heart.
Was I falling in love with her?
I must be and not only because we were mates chosen by my Azuris Clan.
I was falling in love with Rhoslyn for who she was. Her joy of each moment shone in her eyes and in her touch, and I wanted it directed at me.
Turning her in my embrace, I gently cupped her face, searching her gaze, hoping to find the same feelings expressed there. Did I? I thought so.
I kissed her, and her lips met mine eagerly. It was a kiss that celebrated victory while embodying so much more than mere physical touch.
Time seemed to stand still as I deepened the kiss. She pressed against me, moaning, her fingers fluttering against my chest.
I lifted my head, and when she looked up at me, I felt like I could conquer the world.
Orcs danced wildly around us, their movements mimicking the battles we’d fought, plus those we have yet to engage in.
“Together,” someone shouted, and others joined in shouting the same.
Rhoslyn turned in my arms, pressing back against me again. I held her hands, entwining our fingers, though mine were so much larger than hers, they essentially engulfed hers.
“We should dance too,” she shouted over the roar of the crowd. “I want to dance until I’m spent, then keep going. You said the dance celebrates life, and we need to capture it while we still can.”
She spoke what was in my heart each time we built another fire and gathered around it.
Initially, we only swayed, but soon, we moved as quickly and feverishly as those around us. I didn’t let her out of my sight or beyond my arm’s reach. The need to protect my mate drove me unlike any other.
We danced to show resilience.
Determination.
And each time we brushed together; our dance reflected our inner mate fire.
