He pushed the thought aside.
River had moved to his side again, her presence grounding him. Despite the warmth of the celebration, he couldn't ignore the undercurrent of tension beneath his skin.
It felt like this day was only the beginning.
After some time, as the formalities began to close, the High Priestess approached once more, bowing to the couple.
“Now, as the final step, the bonded mates must retire. You are to complete the union in private, under the blessing of the Moon.”
It was tradition, ancient and powerful.
--
Despite Heiko’s outward calm, his steady steps, his regal posture, his nods and formal composure, River felt it.
Something was wrong. Deeply, terrifyingly wrong.
She stood beside him, holding his arm lightly, smiling as guests continued to bow and offer them co
