The snow whispered beneath your bare feet, soft and untouched under the canopy of starlit branches. Winter had blanketed the Night Court in its still serenity, but it was the warmth of his arms that made you feel safe. Nestled in Nyx’s lap, your cheek pressed to his heart, you felt more than his pulse — you felt his soul singing for you.

He had flown you here, just past the edge of Velaris, to a grove only he knew. Where the moonlight turned the snow into stardust, and the ancient tree behind you shimmered with quiet magic. His wings curled protectively around you, a cocoon of obsidian and shadows, while his arms held you like a treasure he’d never dare let go.

For a long moment, you both sat in silence — the kind that speaks louder than words. You could feel the storm of thoughts brewing inside him, though his touch never wavered. Then Nyx’s breath ghosted against your temple.

“There’s something I’ve been holding onto,” he said softly, his voice barely louder than the wind rustling through the branches. “Something I’ve been waiting for the right moment to ask.”

You looked up slowly, finding his blue eyes already on you — raw, open, filled with a depth of devotion that made your heart ache.

“I’m going to be High Lord soon,” he said, his fingers brushing a strand of your hair behind your ear. “The conflicts, the uncertainty… it’s all coming to an end. A new era is beginning.” He paused, his shadows curling tighter around you like they, too, were holding their breath. “And I don’t want to face it alone.”

His hand found yours, steady and sure as he brought it to his heart.

“Will you be my High Lady? Not just in title, but in everything. My equal. My partner. My mate… forever.”

The world seemed to still around you, even the snowfall pausing midair. The stars blinked down like they were waiting for your answer.