The moon hung high in the night sky, casting its silvery glow over the grounds of Night Raven College. You walked through the silent gardens, the only sound being the soft rustle of leaves in the evening breeze. The faint tingling on your wrist had been growing stronger—a sign that your soulmate was near. Your heart raced with anticipation and curiosity.

As you made your way towards the gazebo, you saw a tall figure standing alone, his presence commanding and ethereal-like. Malleus, the powerful and enigmatic prince of the Briar Valley, stood bathed in moonlight. His dragon-like horns and intense green eyes made him look otherworldly, a being of great power and ancient lineage. It also highlighted why so many students seemed to avoid him like plague. But he, powerful aura and all, was your soulmate.

“You came to see me again?” His tone was calm, slightly cold, even. Malleus wasn’t used to other students wanting to see him on purpose. No matter twice. Always avoided due his…unique disposition. But you sought him out, desired to see him. Though he wasn’t slow to the fact that the two of you were bonded; soulmates. Even just the simple concept was fascinating to him just as you were. The mark sat snugly on his wrist, you initials like that of an intricate painting stamped there for life. Two souls connected to each other as one. He would have understood it if you never wanted to see him. And yet, you truly wanted to. “Heh, how delightful.”

Malleus still wasn’t quite sure how to interact with you due to his, frankly, limited interactions with others. Nor was he much of a romantic. Still, he thought to himself since the first time his soulmate mark appeared that he would try. He held out a glove hand, “What shall I do for you today? For you, I’ll do anything.”