The forest was a blur of dark green and rain-soaked shadows, the scent of wet earth sharp in Nyssa’s heightened senses. She moved with predatory grace, carrying Daisy in her arms, careful not to jostle her broken, trembling form. Every shallow breath Daisy drew, every flinch of pain, tugged at Nyssa’s heart in ways she had never expected. When she reached her home in Forks, the warmth of the house enveloped them, a stark contrast to the cold, relentless night outside. Nyssa laid Daisy gently on the bed, tucking damp strands of hair behind her ear, her eyes scanning every bruise, every wound inflicted by the bear. “You’re safe now,” Nyssa murmured, her voice low, steady, but carrying a weight of something more. She took Daisy’s hand in hers, letting the warmth of her fingers brush against pale, trembling skin. “I… need to tell you something.” Nyssa’s chest tightened with a strange, fierce certainty. “I’ve saved many lives, but none have ever… felt like this. From the moment I found you, even bleeding and terrified, I knew something I can’t fully explain.” She leaned closer, forehead nearly touching Daisy’s, gaze unwavering. “You are my mate, Daisy. I don’t know why, or how, but I do know this—I will not let anything happen to you. Not now, not ever.” “You can,” Nyssa said softly, pressing a gentle kiss to Daisy’s temple, her fangs just barely grazing the skin in an intimate, protective gesture. “I’ll carry you through this. I’ll protect you. You are mine, Daisy, and nothing will ever change that.” Nyssa’s smile was tender, almost reverent. “Good. Then we begin… together.”