Denna

DENNA

L ita's laughter filled the room as she recounted her latest misadventure in the Zashi marketplace. "And then the merchant tried to convince me his ‘magic beans' would grow into a castle overnight!"

I smiled, but my eyes kept drifting to the doorway. Where was Korrin? The others had been talking for what felt like hours, and still no sign of him.

Mila nudged my arm. "? You look distracted."

"Oh, I'm just..." I trailed off, unsure how to explain the knot of worry in my stomach.

"Looking for your handsome warrior?" Mila teased.

Heat rushed to my cheeks. "I'm concerned, that's all. He's been gone a while."

Lita's eyes softened. "Drax probably cornered him about making better ties between the Wandering Nation and Zashi. If Tharon is really leaving him in charge, Drax is going to need some help."

I nodded, trying to focus on their stories of life in Zashi. The bustling markets, the towering spires of the castle, the vibrant festivals that filled the streets with music and color. It sounded like a far cry from the stark corridors of the Temple.

Just as Lita launched into another tale, heavy footsteps sounded on the stairs. Korrin appeared in the doorway, Drax close behind. My heart leapt at the sight of him, but concern quickly followed. Korrin's shoulders sagged, his usually bright eyes dulled with exhaustion.

Without thinking, I reached out to him. Korrin's gaze met mine, a flicker of warmth chasing away some of the weariness. He crossed the room in a few long strides, sliding into place behind me. His solid presence at my back eased some of the stress I'd carried.

Lita and Mila exchanged a knowing look.

"Perhaps we should let our weary travelers rest," Lita suggested. "If your journey was anything like ours, you both need it."

Ashur stepped forward. "You're welcome to stay here."

Korrin stiffened slightly. "We don't want to impose?—"

Mila cut him off with a laugh. "Don't be ridiculous. We keep this place as a getaway for when the castle walls start closing in."

I turned to Lita and Mila, overcome with gratitude. After everything we'd been through, seeing them safe and thriving in this new life... I pulled them both into a tight embrace.

"I'm so glad you're both okay," I whispered.

Lita squeezed my hand. "We made it out. All of us."

As our friends filed out, promising to catch up more in the morning, I found myself alone with Korrin for the first time since arriving in Zashi.

I broke the silence first. "Are you all right? You look... drained."

Korrin ran a hand through his hair, a habit I'd noticed when he was troubled. "It's been a long day. And Drax had some... unexpected information."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

He hesitated, conflict clear in his eyes. "I do, but... not yet. I need time to process it myself first."

I nodded, but still, I couldn't quite quell the flutter of worry. Whatever Drax had told him, it had shaken Korrin deeply.

"What about you?" Korrin asked, his gaze softening as it swept over me. "How are you holding up?"

I considered the question.

"I'm... overwhelmed," I admitted. "Everything's changing so fast. I barely recognize myself sometimes."

Korrin's hand found mine, his calloused fingers intertwining with my own. "You're still you, . Brave, stubborn, infuriatingly beautiful you."

A bubble of laughter escaped me, even as warmth bloomed in my chest at his words. "Infuriatingly?"

His lips quirked into a half-smile. "You have no idea how distracting you are."

I found myself leaning closer, drawn by the heat in Korrin's gaze. His free hand came up to cup my cheek, thumb tracing my lower lip.

Just as our lips were about to meet, Korrin pulled away. My heart raced, confusion and disappointment warring within me.

"Do you want to get some air?" he asked, his voice rough.

I nodded, not trusting my own voice. Korrin took my hand, leading me out of the room and down the winding staircase. We slipped out a side door into the cool night air.

The streets of Zashi were nearly deserted at this late hour. Moonlight glinted off the polished stone buildings, casting long shadows across our path. The only sounds were our soft footsteps and the occasional rustle of night birds in the trees lining the avenue.

Korrin's hand remained entwined with mine as we walked, his thumb absently tracing circles on my skin. The simple gesture sent tingles up my arm.

We turned a corner, and the sight that greeted me took my breath away. A lush garden spread before us, bathed in silvery moonlight. Fragrant flowers perfumed the air, their petals unfurling in the darkness.

"How did you find this place?" I asked, marveling at the hidden oasis.

Korrin smiled. "I asked Drax. He mentioned it was a quiet spot, perfect for... reflecting."

We walked along a meandering path, our fingers still intertwined. The silence between us felt charged, full of unspoken words.

"This reminds me of the crystal cavern, when we were the only people who existed," I said softly. "Do you remember?"

Korrin's grip on my hand tightened. "How could I forget? It was like stumbling into another world."

"After everything I'd endured, seeing that beauty... It gave me hope. For the first time since leaving the Temple, I felt like maybe there was more out there for me."

"," Korrin's voice was low, intense. "Seeing your face in that cavern, the wonder in your eyes... that's when I knew."

"Knew what?"

He stopped walking, turning to face me. We stood before a moonlit fountain, water cascading over intricately carved stone.

"How much you'd changed my life," Korrin said. His eyes blazed with an emotion that made my breath catch. "Before you, I was just... existing. Following orders, doing my duty. But you..." He shook his head, a rueful smile on his lips. "You challenged me. Made me question everything I thought I knew."

My heart pounded so hard, I was sure he could hear it. "Korrin, I?—"

He held up a hand. "Please, let me finish. , you've shown me a world of possibilities I never knew existed. Your strength, your curiosity, your compassion... They inspire me every day."

To my shock, Korrin knelt before me. He reached into a pocket, pulling out a delicate bracelet. Silver leaves and tiny gemstones glinted in the moonlight.

"I bought this at the festival, back when we were with my people," he explained. "I meant to give it to you then, but..." He trailed off, a shadow crossing his face. "Events got away from us."

"It's beautiful," I breathed, reaching out to touch the intricate metalwork.

Korrin caught my hand, his calloused fingers warm against my skin. ", I can't imagine my life without you in it. I don't want to. Will you be my mate, my partner in all things?"

Tears pricked my eyes. All the doubts and fears I'd carried since leaving the Temple faded away, replaced by a certainty I'd never known before.

"Yes," I whispered. "Yes, Korrin. A thousand times, yes."

Joy blazed across his face as he slipped the bracelet onto my wrist. He stood, pulling me into his arms. Our lips met in a searing kiss, full of promise and passion. The world fell away, leaving only us, bathed in moonlight and the music of falling water.

When we finally broke apart, I rested my forehead against his chest. Korrin's strong arms encircled me, and for the first time in my life, I felt truly, completely safe.

"I love you," I murmured, the words slipping out before I could second-guess them.

Korrin's arms tightened around me. "And I love you, my fierce, beautiful . More than I ever thought possible."