..........Paris..........We get to our feet after the council tells us we are to reconvene in an hour. For now, we are asked to head to the dining hall for dinner. I hope it truly is an hour because I’m sick of being here. We start heading toward the door but stop when Dimitris asks the council if he may add something. My father and I just re-entered the hall; he was here with the council. They tell him he may, and Father and I share a look, wondering what he’s trying to do. He probably wants to add more reasons why marrying Evaki will bring death to our species. "I understand the council’s traditions and concerns, but I implore you again to consider that the gods' ways are not always understood, as I’m sure you all know. By granting this union, you will not only be setting our Prince’s heart free, but you will be setting the kingdoms free. What we did all those years ago was wrong, and it’s only fair that we try to make amends because I fear what will happen if we don’t. The crim

.........Evaki .........I slowly open my eyes, greeted by the warm glow of sunlight filtering through the curtains, and a smile spreads across my face as I snuggle deeper into the soft covers, feeling relaxed and content. But just then, memories of last night come flooding back. I abruptly sit up, realizing I’ve got my sleeping shirt on and that I don’t feel anything. Did he dress me? I wonder, peeking under the sheets to make sure, my face still in a frown, also realizing I'm not feeling any discomfort. Paris was too big for me. I expected to wake up sore this morning, but I'm not. My wetness and my panties that are off are the only reminders of what happened last night. "Oh, my God!" I whisper, clamping a hand over my mouth, as the magnitude of what we've done sinks in. Just then, a sweet smell wafts into the room, and I look up to be greeted with the heart-melting smile that always makes my heart skip several beats, no matter how anxious I feel. "Good morning, sleepyhead,"

..........Evaki .........I open my eyes to the shrieking sounds of birds and the rustling of trees as they celebrate the dawn of a new day. A victory smile makes its way onto my face. It's morning, and I made it. But my back says not so fast. I groan in pain, clutching my stomach as I sit up. My bones hurt from sleeping on the floor, and the bed of leaves didn’t help much. I hear the sound of tree branches and leaves cracking, and I know someone is coming. And just then, the branches that were used to seal the hut are opened, and I know I have to get out. I get up and head towards the exit, and I find the two women waiting for me. They show me the way, and I start to walk, the older one walking in front while the younger one walks behind me, neither of us saying a word. We can’t talk; we are not allowed to. I’m mad at Paris right now. He and I spoke about the bonding ceremony, and he said it was like a wedding ceremony but a more traditional one. He said nothing about this medieval

.........Evaki..........Everyone turns to me as I enter, making me feel like I’m wearing ten-inch heels, and I’m grateful for Tory’s dad’s firm arm on mine. The walkway is beautifully decorated with lit lanterns, candles, and a greenery lining. I feel like my knees could give way at any minute as we make our way down the aisle. But everything changes the moment I look up into the eyes of my soulmate, who looks breathtakingly beautiful in his silver uniform. He smiles as he takes a step down to meet me before taking my shaky hand in his. "You are beautiful," he says softly, and a tear falls from my eye as I compliment him in a voice that doesn't sound like mine.The priest begins with a greeting and a prayer before asking us to join hands. We take each other's hands, both trembling as Paris fails to hold back his tears. The priest tells everyone why they have gathered here, but I don’t hear anything after that as I start to get lost in my mate’s eyes. I’m snapped out of the trance

.........Evaki........."Welcome to Arcamia, my love," Paris says as we step out of the car, and I gape in awe at the beautifully designed five-star resort."It’s beautiful, Paris," I let out a breathy reply, lacing our fingers together as we are led inside the modernly designed building. The resort comprises eight separate two-story buildings with beautiful surrounding gardens facing the sea.We enter our suite, and I immediately walk over to the balcony, mesmerized by the beautiful view of the white-sand beach. I hear Paris thanking the porter before hearing the door close. He walks up behind me and wraps his arms around my waist before placing a kiss on my head."Want to check out the place?" he asks, and I turn around and face him. I nod and open my mouth to speak, but he leans down and captures my lips in a tender kiss, cutting me off. I wrap my arms around his neck, deepening the kiss, but there’s a knock on the door, causing us to pull away from each other. Paris takes my ha