Page 194 of Crowned In Venom

My breath catches. Leave?

"You would give it all up?" I murmur.

He nods without hesitation. "I would give up anything for you."

His words strike me like a blade—but there is no pain.

Only overwhelming love.

Gods.

I love him.

I have for so long, in ways I never allowed myself to name.

Tears burn my eyes. "Then let’s go."

His hands cup my face, his thumbs brushing away my tears.

"Anya," he whispers, his voice reverent. "Be mine."

My breath stutters.

"What?"

"Be my mate." His voice is quiet but unshakable. "Forever."

Tears slip down my cheeks.

"Varkos—"

"Say yes," he pleads, his voice breaking. "Say yes, Anya."

I smile. Bright. Radiant. Whole.

"Yes."

And then he kisses me.

And I know?—

This is our beginning.

61

VARKOS

Three days have passed.

Three days since the world changed. Since the Matriarch’s reign crumbled. Since we stood at the precipice of ruin and emerged whole.

Three days since Anya said yes.

Now, beneath the silver glow of the twin moons, I stand before her, my hands trembling, my heart thundering in my chest.

Tonight, she becomes mine. Forever.

The air hums with power, thick with the scent of burning incense and sacred oils. Shadows flicker along the ancient stone walls of the forgotten temple—our sanctuary, untouched by war. It is said this place was built long before my kind walked these lands, before blood and conquest drowned the world in darkness.

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