VALERIA

“Aldric,” I gently caressed his forehead, my hand trembling with emotion as he leaned forward and softly kissed my belly, where our little one was growing strong and tenacious.

“I’ll ask my mother about the Selenia bonding ritual. Let’s do it, my mate. I want you to mark me forever—my heart has been yours from the very beginning.”

He nodded, and his overwhelming joy reached me.

I smiled and stepped barefoot onto the ground, enjoying the soft grass between my toes, feeling like I had the