Aurora’s POV
The morning sun painted the archives in shades of gold as I pored over another ancient text. Mason sat across from me at the massive oak table, our knees occasionally brushing as we worked. Each accidental touch sent sparks of celestial energy dancing through the air, making the old books around us pulse with responsive magic.
"Look at this," I said, pushing a weathered tome toward him. "Another reference to the Shadow Lords' manipulation of the mate bond. They've been interfering with destined pairs for centuries."
Mason leaned closer, his scent washing over me - pine, autumn leaves, and something uniquely him that made my dual nature sing. "Could that explain why our bond survived even after..." he trailed off, both of us remembering the failed rejection.
"Maybe," I admi
