Page 56 of The Dark Elf's Secret Twins

“Until the day I died, whether from old age or fighting for Vhoig on the battlefield,” I reply. “Though now I know I can never take things for granted. Just because my family got to do it all in the military, doesn’t mean I’m guaranteed to run the same course.”

Cyra nods along, listening attentively.

“I never saw myself being a father either.” I chuckle. “But sometimes, the biggest surprises in life can be amazing.”

“Cute,” giggles Cyra. “Do you regret no longer being a miou?”

“Of course not,” I say without hesitation.

“I thought you hated being a security guard though?”

“If not for me becoming what everyone likes to call a ‘glorified security guard’, I never would have met the most incredible person in my life.”

Cyra smiles and nudges my elbow.

“So, where are we going? We’ve been walking for a while now.”

“I promise we’re not far. Just this way.”

We take a final turn as I lead her to a small hut sitting on the edge of a lake. There are no walls, instead supported by beams holding a roof overhead. Cyra lets go of my hand, rushing inside the hut to look out upon the lake.

Joining her side, I relish in her joy as she points eagerly at the crystal blue water. We watch as caesin jump in and out of the water. While in the air, their silver scales gleam brightly in the reflection of the sun.

While she’s distracted, I take a step back, taking deep breaths as I throw a hand over my chest. It feels as though my heart is about to burst through it. I look away for a moment and when I look back, Cyra is tilting her head at me.

“Are you okay?” she asks.

“Of course I am,” I say shakily.

She smiles lovingly, taking a step toward me. Reaching out, she takes hold of my hands. In my efforts to calm my nerves, I took no notice of how or when they started trembling.

“There’s something on your mind, isn’t there?” she asks, her tone safe and reassuring. “You can tell me anything Lykan, I’m all yours.”

Here we go.

With her hands already in mine, I take a bow on one knee. Cyra’s eyes widen as she suddenly realizes what’s about to happen.

“Cyra, there’s something I’ve been wanting to ask you for some time now,” I say, the confidence in my tone restored. “I reach into my back pocket, unveiling a small box the color of blood red. “You’ve reintroduced peace and love back into my life, in such a way that makes me feel I'm falling for you all over again. There’s only one thing I can do to show my dedication to you.”

I open the box, revealing an oval shaped diamond ring, enclosed in a silver casing.

“Cyra, will you do me the honor of being my loving mate for the rest of my days and beyond?”

“Yes!” she cries, tears cascading her cheeks.

I stand, quickly dashing away her tears before engaging in a passionate kiss. It’s more beautiful than even our very first one. When we pull apart, Cyra beams at me, wearing a happiness I’ve never seen before.

“Do you know how gorgeous you are?” I chuckle.

Her face turns red as she turns around, enveloping herself in my arms.

“You make me feel gorgeous, Lykan,” she says lovingly.

“I promise I’m going to give you the greatest mating ceremony that Vhoig has ever seen, a day you deserve.”

“I already know it’s going to be special,” she whispers, tilting her head up to kiss me. “Let’s invite only our closest friends. I’m going to ask Sienna and her family to come, as well as Harper and Layla.”

“I’ll bring Braythe along,” I reply, thinking of my only friend. “You know what? Let’s invite Nasthyn along too.”

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