{"The bond defied prophecy, shattered bloodlines, and rewrote ancient law."}
Hours later, we were home as the fire crackled low in the hearth, throwing long shadows across the stone walls of Tor's home. It was late, well past the hour when even the strongest warriors would retire, but sleep felt far away. I sat curled on the edge of the deep leather couch in Tor's study, legs tucked beneath me, a warm robe around my shoulders. The scent of cedarwood and iron lingered in the air. Safe. Familiar.
Tor stood at the window, shirtless, the pale moonlight catching the faint shimmer of his Lycan markings across his back and shoulders. He had not said much since we returned from the council meeting. I could feel the weight in him, the responsibility, the memories, the things he did not say.
"They listened," I said quietly, breaking the silence. "The council believed in our lifetime mating bond. "
