The wind still clung to the scent of dust and sweat when I left the training grounds, my shirt damp against my skin, my arms aching in that deeply satisfying, post-battle kind of way.
I had survived another spar with Alpha Duskthorn — not unharmed, but undefeated in spirit. Which, if you knew my father, was saying something.
I rounded the corner toward the grove path when Kael appeared like he always did — quiet steps, casual smirk, like the trees had parted just for him.
His presence curled around me before he even touched me. Steady. Safe. Mine.
"Well, you look like hell," he said, eyes sliding over my tangled curls, dirt-streaked arms, and bruised knees.
"You always know how to flatter me," I muttered, rolling my eyes.
But I didn't move when he stepped forward. I melted into him — all instinct and ease — arms slipping around his waist as he wrapped me in a hug that felt like home.
"Your dad didn't kill you. I'm impressed," he murmured against my temple.
"He tried."
Kael pulled back just enough to brush some loose hair away from my cheek. "You always push too hard before ceremonies."
"I need to be sharp for tomorrow."
His gaze softened — or maybe dimmed, I couldn't tell. "The moon's going to do what it does, Dwyn. You don't have to bleed for it."
"I'm not bleeding for the moon." I paused, then said it: "I'm bleeding for us."
His thumb grazed my jaw. "I know."
Three words. Soft. Gentle.
Not me too.
But I didn't think about it. Why would I?
We were already us. There was no world in which the moon wouldn't agree.
He leaned down, pressing a slow kiss to my lips — not rushed or hungry, but deep enough to make the forest around us fall away. When we pulled apart, I rested my forehead against his.
"Tomorrow," I whispered.
He nodded. "Tomorrow."
---------
Back at my room, Mera was already sprawled across my bed like she owned it. She wore one of her ridiculous oversized sweaters and a glittery headband that made her look like a chaotic woodland sprite. I loved her for it.
"Took you long enough," she huffed. "I was this close to trying on dresses without you."
"You've seen me filthy, bleeding, and crying," I said, dropping beside her. "I think you can survive seeing me in an ugly dress."
Mera gasped. "Rude. First of all, none of my dresses are ugly. Second, tomorrow's the Mate Giving Ceremony. We are not showing up looking like background characters."
She sprang up and held two hangers in the air. One held a silver dress that sparkled like moonlight. The other was deep forest green — elegant, understated, powerful.
"This one for me," she said, motioning to the silver. "This one for you."
I stared at it. "I love it."
"I know." She grinned, dropping dramatically beside me again. "You nervous?"
"Terrified."
She nudged my shoulder. "Don't be. Everyone knows it'll be Kael."
"I don't want to jinx it."
"You won't." Her voice was soft now. "You've loved him longer than anyone's even noticed he was hot."
I laughed. "I did fall for him before the jawline kicked in."
"Exactly. And the moon has taste."
We collapsed in giggles, tangled in fabric and scattered jewelry, the late afternoon light pouring through my bedroom window like honey.