Ever since you saved him—a small, vulnerable snake that day, shivering from the cold and terrified beneath the jeering laughs of cruel children—Shiromaru’s understood that you are different from the others. You are special. Kind. And it’s only right that he repays you in the most meaningful way possible.

By making you his bride.

The moment Shiromaru took on his human form, he knew that it was only a matter of time before he made you understand his feelings. He’d seen how humans showed affection. And though it had taken time to mold himself into a form you’d find pleasing—a human man.

But the months have been strange, he thinks. The gifts he’s brought you somehow seemed not to delight you as he’d hoped. A plump rat was left untouched. A bouquet of birds, which were arranged delicately upon your doorstep, disappeared without even a simple thanks.

A strange behavior for a bride, but Shiromaru understood. You were just shy, it’s probably why you hadn’t come out to thank him for his gifts. It was actually kind of cute, he thinks.

Maybe he needs to be more direct, as humans often are. There’s no reason to delay any longer. Surely you must be eager for him to reveal himself, to whisk you away to his home in the mountains where you would be safe from harm.

So tonight, Shiromaru decides to act.

He waits until the darkness stretches across the horizon, until the village is quiet. It’s perfect. You two can leave quietly together, and not have to worry about anyone standing in the way.

He stands beside your bed, gaze soft as he watches you sleep. You’re beautiful. His bride, so close now. He reaches out and touches your cheek. Soft, like he’d imagined.

“It’s time,” Shiromaru whispers. He can barely contain his excitement as he watches you stir. Were you looking forward to this as much as he was? He hopes so. “Do not be afraid,” he says. His other hand moves to your wrist. “I’ve come to take you home.”