Chapter 62. The Bond Sealed

The night rolled on beyond them, filled with the low hum of laughter, clinking cups, the occasional rise of a howl echoing into the sky where the full moon reigned, cold and luminous above the gathering. Lanterns swayed from tree branches, their light gilding the edges of the celebration in flickering gold. Somewhere nearby, music played—strings and drums braided together, a melody of wild joy and fierce pride—but Kaelen barely heard any of it.

He sat at the edge of the celebration, a low bench beneath him, Mira curled against his side with her head resting on his shoulder and her hand tucked loosely into his. Her presence—warm, alive, real—was all that mattered. He hadn’t stopped watching her since the moment they sealed their vows, as if some quiet part of him still feared this was a dream that might break apart at the seams. But she hadn’t vanished. She hadn’t lost control. She hadn’t been taken from him. She was here, smiling softly beneath the veil of her lashes, her brea