Nova's POV
The moment we stepped into the circle, it felt like the world paused.
Not just around us—but in us.
The full moon above, hanging like a silver sentinel in the ink-stained sky, shined beautifully over everything. Shadows danced gently across the soft grass, and the arch we passed under shimmered, pulsing faintly with magic I couldn't explain but felt everywhere—in my lungs, my skin, my heartbeat.
Eldur never let go of my hand.
His grip was firm, warm, protective. I could feel the tension in his muscles, like he was still barely holding back the part of him that wanted to burn down the world for me. But he didn't.
He breathed in sync with me instead.
I wheeled gently forward beside him, aware of the eyes watching—some wide with awe, some narrowed with judgment—but I kept my gaze locked ahead, refusing to shrink.
I wasn't here to prove anything to them.
I was here for him.
And he was mine.
