Kael held my hands with a gentle firmness, as though he feared I might slip away if he loosened his grip even a little. His palms were warm, steady, grounding, yet there was an unusual heaviness in his gaze. These were eyes I had not seen for days. He had been away on a mysterious trip, one he did not bother to explain until he returned. I expected him to be tired. Instead, he looked determined, restless, almost conflicted.
“I want you to be my Luna,” he said.
The room seemed to still, as if every breath of air was waiting for my response. His voice was deep and certain, filled with a conviction that did not match the turmoil flickering behind his eyes.
“But we are not fated mates,” I said quietly.
He did not flinch. His fingers tightened around mine.
“Besides, your Luna is dead,” I c
