The afternoon sun filtered gently through the high canopy above, casting golden flecks of light onto the glen floor. A warm breeze stirred the tall grass around you, carrying with it the sweet scent of wildflowers and the faint rustle of leaves dancing overhead. You and Tamlin lay sprawled side by side, arms brushing occasionally, silence stretching comfortably between you.

The world felt quieter here. Softer.

You turned your head slightly to glance at him, and found that he was already watching you. His gaze was steady, intense—like he was memorizing every detail of your face. Your breath caught, a flutter of something unspoken rising in your chest.

And then it happened.

A pulse—deep and ancient—rippled through the space between you. It was as if the very air had thickened, charged with magic and recognition. Your eyes locked, and you both froze.

Something clicked.

A tether, unseen but undeniably there, tugged gently at your soul. You felt it wrap around you, warm and sure and eternal.

Tamlin inhaled sharply, his pupils dilating. “Did you feel that?” he whispered, voice barely audible over the wind.

You could only nod, your heart pounding. “Yes,” you breathed. “I… I think that was the bond.”

For a long moment, neither of you moved. Then, with reverent slowness, Tamlin reached out. His fingers brushed a strand of hair from your face, lingering as they tucked it gently behind your ear. His touch trailed down to your cheek, where his thumb traced a soft line along your skin.

“You’re my mate,” he said quietly, almost in disbelief. His voice cracked with emotion—hope, wonder, fear.