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Laurent was already out the door, missing the way my family beamed at me. They must have thought I was going to propose outside. I was, but only because a walk was what my Laurent wanted.
I bent down to brush a kiss over Amelie’s curls as I passed. “We will return shortly.”
Maman caught me with her hand on my wrist. “Congratulations, my son.”
“We are happy for you,” Papa added, his arm going around Maman’s shoulders. “There is nothing more valuable in this life than love and finding your mate. Go and claim yours.”
I blew them both a kiss before hastening my steps. The ring I had for Laurent was an ancient family heirloom, one my parents had bestowed on me when they gave me their blessing for this union.
They had presented the best possible example to follow. Mated since before the birth of Christ, my parents had not spent a single day apart since they had met.
I had been searching for a love like theirs since I had reached my maturity, and now I had Laurent. I knew without a shadow of a doubt that he was the one I was meant to be with.
Entering the corridor, I frowned. Laurent was nowhere to be seen. Perhaps he had already made his way to the gardens.
I smiled at servants as I passed. They may have been human, but they had served my family for generations. They were loyal to us, and their loyalty was greatly rewarded.
Stepping into the garden, I spotted Laurent on the edge of the tree line. Something shifted in my gut at seeing him so far from the castle.
It took me less than a minute to join him. Putting my hand on his shoulder, I turned him to face me. He was pale, ever so pale. “My love, are you not well?”
He gave me a thin smile. “’Tis but a headache. Come, let us walk through the woods.”
I eyed the trees sceptically. “Perhaps the paths of the formal gardens would be more suitable. It is cold and dark, my love. I do not want you catching a chill.”
“I am fine.” Laurent waved off my concern, already striding off into the darkness. “You will keep me safe while we walk.”
This was true. Even though the border with the Cameron Clan ran through the centre of the woodland, we had nothing to fear. Laurent had known my true nature from day one. We did not keep secrets from one another.
Laurent was walking briskly, sticks cracking beneath his feet. I followed him, as silent as the shadows, my fingers toying with the small box in my pocket. Should I ask him now? It seemed appropriate, given this was where we had first met.
My lips curved in a broad smile as I realised where Laurent was leading us. The small hunting cabin came into view. It was where I had carried him the day he had been injured. Where I had nursed him back to health.
Where we had first made love.
Yes, this was the right spot. Offering him eternity in the place where I had given him my heart was perfect. Perhaps I had not been as subtle in my planning as I had believed. Trust Laurent to take my idea and make it even more special.
Laurent strode into the cabin and stopped dead in the centre. He was facing away from me. His whole body was trembling. His hands were in fists at his sides.
My poor love. He had no need to be nervous. One little question and we would be starting our eternity.
Together.
“Do not worry, my love,” I murmured, resting my hands on his shoulders. He flinched at my touch, ducking out of my reach.
“Laurent?” My brow furrowed as I stepped towards him. “What is wrong?”
“Nothing.” He lifted his chin, but could not hide the way his lip was trembling. “Nothing, Seb. Everything is as it should be.”
I opened my mouth to question him, but a faraway sound had me freezing.
A scream.
Amelie.
My blood curdled as a wave of noise hit me at once.
Yelling. Snarls. Bellowing.
