The night of the Moon Festival arrived, and the air was thick with excitement. Amidst the celebration, traditions dictated that mates would be claimed beneath the full moon. Kael and Aria knew they had to make a choice their connection was deeper than pack loyalties, but claiming each other would ignite a war between their families.
As midnight approached, the tension boiled over. Kael took her hand, leading her to a hidden glade bathed in silver light. Here, away from prying eyes, he turned to her, his expression serious yet passionate.
"Will you let me claim you, Aria?" he asked, his voice raw with emotion. "Are you ready to choose us?"
A whirlwind of emotions swept through her. Fear battled with desire, but the call of her heart echoed louder than the warnings of her mind. With a nod, she leaned in closer, her heart racing. "Yes, I choose you."
Kael's lips brushed against hers softly, igniting a firestorm of passion that enveloped them. As their kiss deepened, he whispered a promise, sealing their fate. "Together, we'll fight for our love."