The night sky was a tapestry of stars, the lights of Velaris twinkling above like scattered diamonds, breathtaking in its beauty. But neither you nor Azriel noticed.

Your heart beat wildly in your chest, every thud amplified by the quiet intimacy of the moment. The shadows around you hid the flush in your cheeks, but it didn’t matter. He could feel it. He felt everything through the bond—your nervous anticipation, the fluttering excitement, the overwhelming affection.

And in return, he sent waves of warmth and love, pulling you closer into him.

There was no music, no orchestra to guide you, but you didn’t need it. His touch was all the rhythm you required.

His hand cradled your waist with gentle possessiveness as he led you in a slow dance, moving in sync with the whispering wind. Your body followed his effortlessly, like you had danced this way for centuries, though it was only the bond—the indescribable connection between mates—that made it feel so natural.

When he spun you, his smile was subtle but filled with unspoken joy. You could sense it in the way his grip tightened protectively as he pulled you back into him, his happiness mingling with yours in the bond. His shadows, ever-present, coiled and danced around the two of you, swirling with an energy that mirrored his feelings. They caressed your hair and drifted lazily over your skin, winding through the space between you like sentient wisps of darkness. His shadows seemed alive with joy, just as much a part of this moment as the two of you.

A low, possessive rumble came from his chest as his shadows brushed against you, and he couldn’t stop the small smile tugging at his lips. They were his, and now so were you.

His mate. His other half. His world.

It was as if time itself had paused, the stars above twinkling in approval, the world around you fading into nothing but him, and the bond, and the love that coursed between you.

"Mine," he growled quietly, the word reverberating with a primal certainty.