_Alina's POV_
As I followed Alaric to the banquet, a small birthday party for Caspian, I could feel his concern radiating through our bond. He glanced at me, his worry evident in his eyes.
"Are you sure you're feeling up to this?" he asked softly, his hand gently squeezing mine.
I nodded, trying to reassure him. "I'll be fine, Alaric. If I start feeling anything unusual, I'll go to a safe place to transform and notify you immediately."
Alaric sighed, still looking uncertain, but he leaned in and kissed me tenderly. "Alright. Just promise me that you'll be careful."
"I promise," I said, feeling a sweet warmth spread through me from his kiss.
As we walked, Alaric kept glancing at me, his brow furrowed with concern. "You know, if you're not feeling well, we can skip this.
