Althea’s lips parted, trembling slightly. “I love you,” she repeated, her gaze locked with his. Her cheeks flushed as a shy smile curved her lips. Seeing the raw emotion in his eyes was almost too much, it was overwhelming in the best way.
Gavriel suddenly pulled her into a tight embrace. Neither of them spoke; they simply stayed there, wrapped in silence, feeling each other’s emotions flow through their mate bond.
Then, gently, he drew back just enough to look at her. His hands came up to cup her face, his forehead resting against hers as his breathing deepened.
“I love you too,” he finally said, his voice low and unsteady, each word heavy with emotion. “I tried not to. I told myself it was only the bond, that it would fade with time but it never did. It only grew stronger every day.”
Althea’s breath caught. Her eyes shimmered as tears gathered. The sound of his voice, so sincere, so vulnerable, filled her chest with warmth. Hearing him say those words made her heart feel light and full all at once.
If not for the raw emotions flowing through their mate bond, Althea might have doubted his words. After all, the truth still remained—she was Cain’s daughter. It was the only barrier standing between her and Gavriel, and between her and the people around him who supported his reign.
Gavriel tilted her chin up gently and kissed her. It wasn’t rushed or demanding, just slow and tender, as if he wanted her to feel what words couldn’t say. When she pulled away, her face pressed into his chest, her body shook with quiet sobs she couldn’t hold back.
Gavriel’s arms wrapped around her, his hand slowly moving up and down her back. He pressed a soft kiss to her head. “I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I didn’t mean to make you cry.”
She quickly wiped her tears and looked up with a trembling smile. “It’s tears of joy,” she murmured.
A faint smile touched his lips. He brushed away the remaining tears on her cheeks with the back of his hand. “I know,” he said quietly. “Still... I never want to see you cry again. Not like this.”
His thumb lingered on her skin, his eyes soft yet full of that fierce protectiveness she had come to know. And in that small, quiet space between them, it felt like the whole world had stilled—just the two of them, hearts beating in rhythm, holding on to a love neither could deny anymore.
Gavriel looked at her for a long moment, his thumb still tracing her cheek as if he couldn’t quite believe she was real. Then, without a word, he leaned in and kissed her again. It was deeper this time—still tender, but full of everything he’d been holding back.
Althea felt her heart race, her hands instinctively clutching at his shirt as warmth spread through her chest.
When the kiss broke, she barely had time to breathe before Gavriel swept her off her feet. A surprised gasp escaped her lips.
“Gavriel!” she murmured, her arms looping around his neck as he carried her down the stairs.
“Shh,” he said softly, a faint smile on his lips. “Let me take you back.”
When they reached their bedchamber, he set her down gently on the edge of the bed. His hand brushed through her hair, his gaze never leaving hers. The bond between them pulsed quietly, steady and warm.
They leaned closer again, their foreheads touching, breathing in each other’s air. His lips found hers once more, slow and affectionate, filled with the kind of longing that didn’t need words. She responded with equal softness, letting herself melt into the moment.
Then suddenly, Althea stiffened slightly. A faint discomfort rippled through her lower belly, and the warmth she felt shifted. Her face flushed—not from the kiss this time, but from realization.
“Gavriel...” she whispered, breaking the kiss as her cheeks reddened even more.
He immediately stopped, his hand resting lightly on her arm. “What’s wrong?” he asked quietly, concern in his tone.
She looked down, embarrassed but trying to explain. “I think... it’s my time of the month.”
For a moment, Gavriel blinked in surprise, then chuckled softly—his tone gentle, not mocking. “Ah. That explains it, the faint scent of blood.” He brushed a strand of hair from her face and kissed her forehead tenderly. “You don’t have to be embarrassed.”
Althea tried to smile, still shy. “I didn’t expect it to come tonight...”
He smiled back, his thumb tracing her lower lip. “Then tonight, I’ll just hold you.”
He pulled her close, wrapping her in his arms. She nestled against him, resting her head over his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. The firelight flickered across the room, painting them in a soft glow.
She shifted slightly and accidentally brushed against Gavriel’s body, his groin in particular, drawing a low groan from him. Althea swallowed hard; she could feel not only the tension in him but also the wave of desire that pulsed through their bond.
But she was on her monthly period, something that usually lasted a few days so there was no way she could please him in his physical needs. She moved again and lifted her head to meet his gaze. His eyes were filled with longing, yet there was restraint behind them.
“Sleep and rest,” he murmured with a faint smile.
It was rare to see him this composed, this in control of his desire. Usually, Gavriel’s passion burned too fiercely to contain. He would always show her how deeply he wanted her. But tonight, he chose patience for her. His restraint spoke louder than words ever could.
She gave him a bashful smile and asked softly, “Are you sure you can control it? Won’t it hurt if you don’t... release it?” She had heard that men sometimes suffered when their desires went unfulfilled. And right now, she could clearly feel Gavriel’s longing through their bond—an intense need to claim her that he was trying so hard to restrain.