Page 9 of Heatbound Hearts

As I speak, I find myself moving closer to Bronwyn. It's unconscious, as natural as breathing. My wings arch slightly, creating a barrier between her and the curious onlookers. I want to shield her from prying eyes, to keep her close.

"That sounds wonderful," Bronwyn says, a small smile playing on her lips.

My heart races at that smile. I extend my hand to her, an invitation and a promise. When she takes it, her fingers warm against my cool skin, I know I'll do anything to keep her safe.

What a good solstice already.

My eyes turn to Naia and Kairos. "Ready?"

They both look from me to Bronwyn to each other, and then with a grin, they nod.

I guide Bronwyn through the bustling streets of Terraluna, my hand resting protectively on the small of her back. The city pulsates with life, every corner bursting with winter solstice festivities. Lanterns of bioluminescent fungi hang from crystalline arches, casting an ethereal glow over the revelers.

"This is the Crystal Plaza," I tell her, gesturing to the open square before us. "It's my favorite spot in the city."

Bronwyn's eyes widen, taking in the sight of towering crystal formations that seem to grow from the very ground. Theyshimmer with an inner light, refracting the lanterns' glow into a dazzling array of colors.

"It's beautiful," she breathes, and I find myself staring at her instead of the view.

"Is the whole city powered by the crystals?" Kairos asks.

I nod. "For the most part, the whole continent is covered in them."

The crowd surges around us, pushing me closer to Bronwyn. I should step back, give her space, but I can't bring myself to move away. Her warmth seeps into me, igniting something I've never felt before. She doesn't pull away either, and my heart races at the thought that she might be feeling this too.

We make our way to a vendor selling steaming cups of spiced nectar. Kairos grabs a cup for himself and Naia. As I hand Bronwyn a cup, our fingers brush, and a jolt of electricity shoots through me. Her cheeks flush, and I wonder if she felt it too.

"Careful, it's hot," I warn, my voice lower than I intended.

She takes a sip, her eyes closing in appreciation. "This is incredible," she says, licking her lips.

I can't tear my gaze away from her mouth. Fuck, what's happening to me? I've never been so instantly drawn to someone before.

We continue our tour, weaving through the throng of noctari that have flooded the coastal city for tonight. I point out the Whispering Fountain, where water flows in various directions throughout the air, and the Starlight Pavilion, where couples dance to ethereal music.

All the while, I can't shake the feeling that Bronwyn's arrival is more than chance. I've always felt restless, like something was missing. Now, with her by my side, that restlessness has vanished, replaced by a certainty I can't explain.

As we pause to watch a group of fire throwers, Bronwyn leans into me, seeking shelter from a gust of wind. I wrap my wingaround her without thinking, pulling her close. She fits perfectly against me, like she was made to be there.

"Thank you," she murmurs, looking up at me with those forest-green eyes.

In that moment, I know. This human, this incredible woman who fell into my world, is why I've never found my mate on Terramyst.

Because she wasn't on Terramyst. Or Nythorra at all.

I guide our small group through the pulsing heart of Terraluna, my senses alive with the sights, sounds, and smells of the winter solstice celebration. But nothing captivates me more than Bronwyn's reactions to it all.

We pass a group of noctari dancers, their wings shimmering as they twirl in perfect synchronization. Bronwyn's eyes widen, a soft gasp escaping her lips. Without thinking, I take her hand and pull her into the dance.

"I-I don't know how," she protests, but I can see the excitement in her eyes.

"Just follow my lead," I murmur, placing my hand on her waist.

We move together, our bodies finding a natural rhythm. Bronwyn's laughter rings out as I spin her, the sound more beautiful than any music I've ever heard. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Naia dragging a reluctant Kairos into the dance as well.

As the night progresses, we feast on delicacies from across Terramyst. I watch Bronwyn's face light up as she tastes crystal-infused fruits and savors the rich flavors of roasted cave vegetation. Her joy is infectious, and I find myself smiling more than I have in years.

As the night starts to end, we make our way to the Celestial Observatory, a towering structure of living crystal and ancient stone. The air hums with anticipation as noctari gather for the solstice's culmination.

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