Mary Ann’s POV
The celebration continued long after the final dance ended.
Music filled the rebuilt village square. Children ran between tables carrying ribbons in Ironclaw, Mooncrest, and Nightveil colours. Warriors who had once faced one another across battle lines now shared food beneath the same lanterns.
I remained beside Modric for another hour.
We greeted families.
Accepted congratulations.
Listened to speeches that became less formal as the wine continued flowing.
Yet through all of it, his question stayed between us.
What does that mean?
And my answer.
Ask me again when we are alone.
The completed mate bond carried Modric’s hope carefully.
He did not ask again in front of the crowd.
He did not pull me aside during the celebration or treat my public kiss as permission
