His words resonate deep within me, echoing all the promises he’s kept without ever needing to say them aloud. My throattightens with emotion, and I can only nod in response, my eyes misting over.

Irix steps forward next. His deep blue eyes meet mine, filled with an intensity that’s both fierce and tender. “I vow to provide for you,” he says, his voice rough but sincere. “To be your strength when you need it most, and to cherish you always.”

His hand reaches out to cup my cheek, and the warmth of his touch sends a shiver down my spine. I lean into his palm, feeling the rough callouses from years of battle, each one a testament to the life we’ve chosen together.

My gaze shifts between them—Thalos’s unyielding resolve, Irix’s fierce devotion—and I know without a doubt that these vows are not just words. They are promises carved from the very essence of who they are.

In this moment, surrounded by the beauty of the meadow and the love of these incredible beings, I feel a sense of peace that’s eluded me for so long. It’s more than just survival now—it’s living, thriving, and loving with every fiber of my being.

We stand here not just as individuals bound by fate but as a united force stronger than any challenge we might face. This bond is our strength, our shield against whatever comes next.

And for once in my life... Everything feels right.

Kael’s voice is soft but steady, his hand reaching out to cup my cheek. “I vow to serve you, to honor you as my equal, and to love you for all my days.”

His words wrap around me like a warm embrace, and my throat tightens with emotion. I manage to speak, my voice trembling but sure. “I vow to love you, to stand with you, and to cherish each of you for the rest of my life.”

The air between us feels electric as we close the distance, our lips meeting in a kiss that lingers with the promise of forever. Thalos’s kiss is firm and grounding, Irix’s fierce and passionate, and Kael’s tender and filled with reverence. Each kiss is atestament to the bond we share—stronger than any force, any pain we’ve endured.

The meadow around us comes alive with joy. The ceremony isn’t just a ritual; it’s a celebration of our love, our survival, and our future. Laughter mingles with the music of the wind through the wildflowers. The sun dips lower in the sky, casting a golden hue over everything.

My heart feels light, my soul free, as I embrace Thalos, Irix, and Kael in turn. This is more than a moment; it’s an affirmation of everything we’ve fought for and everything we’ve become together.

This is my home. This is my family.

The three of them are forever bound to me: my life, my heart, and my soul.

_____________

48

LAIA

The full moon hangs high in the sky, its pale light casting a soft glow over the sacred pool. The water shimmers beneath the moonlight, reflecting the stars above. Thalos, Irix, and Kael have told me this place is sacred to their kind—a place where bonds are solidified, where love is eternal.

I stand in the cool water, my body surrounded by the warmth of my mates. The night is quiet, save for the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze and the gentle lapping of the water against our skin. It feels like a dream—a beautiful, surreal dream where everything is right.

Thalos’s strong arms encircle me from behind, his chest pressed against my back. His breath is warm against my neck as he murmurs, “This is our sanctuary, Laia. Our bond is forever.”

Irix stands to my right, his fingers trailing through the water before finding mine. He lifts my hand to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to my knuckles. “You’re part of us now,” he says, his voice a deep rumble that resonates through me.

Kael is on my left, his touch gentle as he caresses my arm. His eyes meet mine, filled with a tenderness that makes my heart swell. “Together,” he whispers, his voice steady and reassuring.

The cool water laps at our bodies, but I am enveloped in their warmth. The world narrows to just us—our breaths mingling, our hearts beating in unison. The sacred pool reflects our unity, its surface shimmering like a mirror of our souls.

I lean into Thalos’s embrace, feeling his strength surround me. Irix’s hand tightens around mine, and Kael’s touch on my arm sends a shiver of contentment through me. In this moment, I know that no matter what challenges we face, we will face them together.

The moonlight casts a silver sheen over the water, making it look almost ethereal. I close my eyes and let myself sink into the moment—the peace, the love that binds us all. Here in this sacred place, I feel whole.

We stand there for what feels like an eternity, wrapped in each other’s presence. The night air carries with it a promise—one of forever and always.

Thalos’s hands slide over my shoulders, his touch firm but gentle. Each caress sends a wave of warmth through me, grounding me in the reality of this moment. Irix’s lips brush against my neck, and I shiver, the sensation electric. His breath is hot against my skin, a stark contrast to the cool water surrounding us. Kael’s hands find mine, his grip reassuring as he pulls me closer.

My heart races, each touch, each kiss filling me with a warmth that spreads through every part of me. The water ripples around us, cool and refreshing, heightening the intensity of their touches. The heat of their bodies surrounds me, creating a cocoon of safety and love.

Thalos’s lips find my shoulder, his kisses slow and deliberate. Irix’s hands slide down my sides, his touch sending sparks of desire through me. Kael’s fingers intertwine with mine, his thumb gently stroking the back of my hand.

We make love beneath the full moon, our movements slow and deliberate. Irix teases my nipples, and Kael sucks on my ears while Thalos licks my throat.