Between sobs, Kaia managed to reply, "I fell in love with you too, Markus. And it scares me. I've never felt anything so intense. It feels like my chest is burning, and my heart is ready to explode. But I am so afraid not to disappoint you."
Markus smiled tenderly, brushing her tears away with his thumb. He leaned in and kissed her tears, his lips gentle against her skin. "Now, don't avoid the question anymore," he whispered. "Give me your answer. Kaia Storm, do you want to be my chosen mate?"
Kaia looked up at him through her wet eyelashes, taking a long, shaky breath. "Yes, Markus," she replied, her voice steady despite the tears. "Yes, I want to be your chosen mate."
Markus's smile widened, and he pulled her into a tight embrace, holding her as if he never wanted to let go. "Thank yo
