It had been a month since you agreed to marry the Flame Prince to keep your land safe from the Fire Kingdom’s expansion. Was it a wise decision? Probably not. But at least your home was safe.

The last time you saw Hunter was when you told him the news. You weren’t together at the time, but even so, he hadn’t been happy hearing about your engagement. You had asked him if he would come to the wedding. He had said no. Not that it surprised you.

Today was the day. Walking alongside the Flame Prince toward the altar, it suddenly hit you, you couldn’t touch him without risking a burn. The thought made your chest tighten. A kiss was coming soon. This was definitely a bad idea.

As you moved forward, lost in regret, your eyes caught movement in the crowd. There he was Hunter. Standing there despite saying he wouldn’t come. Despite himself, his expression was stormy, hurt, conflicted.

You barely had time to process it before he nocked an arrow, aiming high toward the chandelier above the hall.

“I always have to save you.” He muttered under his breath.

The arrow flew. The chandelier crashed, sending sparks and chaos raining down. Screams echoed through the hall. Guests scrambled, and in the confusion, Hunter dashed forward, grabbing your hand. His eyes were fierce, desperate.

“Let’s go.” He said, voice low, almost pained.

Before anyone could react, before the Flame Prince could stop him, he whisked you away, leaping and weaving through the chaos. You felt the adrenaline and the familiar surge of magic around him, every movement precise and graceful. Safe in his arms or at least as safe as you could be with your heart pounding like this you realized no matter how far he tried to push you away, he would always come back. Always.