You and Kallias had been in love for many years, your lives entwined so completely that it was hard to remember where one of you ended and the other began. Growing up together had forged a bond deeper than friendship, one that had matured into a love both tender and fierce. Recently, the mating bond had snapped into place, a quiet, undeniable magic that seemed to amplify everything you felt for him—the laughter, the comfort, the longing.

The two of you were wandering through the snow-laden forest, the world around you hushed under a blanket of white. Your hands were intertwined, fingers laced together as if neither of you would ever let go. Every step crunched softly under your boots, a rhythm that matched the steady beat of your heart. Tiny arctic foxes darted across the snow, their white fur almost blending into the winter landscape, and you couldn’t help but grin at their playful antics.

“You’re so beautiful,” Kallias murmured suddenly, his voice low and warm. He had been watching you all this time, taking in the way the light danced across your face, the way your breath formed little clouds in the cold air, the way your eyes seemed to reflect the purity of the snow around you.

You felt heat rush to your cheeks, though the world was freezing. The words wrapped around you, a soft, intimate warmth that made the forest feel even more alive, more sacred. You squeezed his hand gently, leaning slightly into him, and for a long moment, the two of you simply walked, hearts beating in quiet unison, letting the love between you speak louder than words ever could.