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He chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that she felt in her bones. “Perhaps I’ll just carry you back and scandalize everyone.”

“Mmm, the great and powerful Malrik, parading through the halls with his mate in his arms, naked as the day she was born.”

“My mate,” he echoed, his voice growing softer. “I still cannot believe you chose me. That you could love this broken, cursed thing.”

“You’re not broken or cursed,” she said, propping herself up on one elbow to look down at him. “You’re beautiful and strong. A little wild, yes,” she added with a smile, “but that’s part of your appeal.”

He huffed a laugh. “Careful, mate. You’ll give me a bigger ego than I already have.”

“Good. You deserve it.” She traced the line of his jaw, marveling at the contrast between his soft fur and hard muscle. “I love all of you, Malrik. Every side, every form.”

His eyes darkened, and for a moment she thought he might transform back to the beast and ravage her again. Instead, he pulled her down for a long, lingering kiss.

“As I love you,” he said when they finally broke apart. “With all my being.”

She sighed contentedly. “We should probably head back before my father sends out a search party.”

“Agreed.” He stood in one fluid motion, then scooped her up into his arms, cradling her against his chest.

“Malrik!” she protested. “You said you wouldn’t parade me naked through the halls.”

He grinned down at her. “I lied.”

She tried to look indignant, but his mischievous grin was infectious. “Just try not to traumatize anyone,” she said with a theatrical sigh.

He carried her to the edge of the forest, where the keep’s outer walls rose high overhead. The sun was sinking below the horizon, painting the sky in brilliant hues of pink and orange. He paused to watch it with her, his eyes reflecting the fiery glow.

“I never tire of seeing this through your eyes,” he murmured. “Before, it was just the sun setting. But now it’s…” He trailed off, at a loss for words.

“It’s beautiful,” she finished for him. “Like a promise of a new day to come.”

He nodded, holding her a little closer. “I used to dread the dawn. It meant another day alone in the darkness. But now… Now I welcome it. Because I wake with you by my side.”

She leaned her head against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. “I never thought I could be this happy,” she whispered. “That I could find a place where I truly belong. With someone who accepts me just as I am.”

“As I love you,” he echoed, kissing the top of her head.

She could feel him smiling against her hair, his joy matching her own. This keep, this wild land, this half-beast prince—this was her home now. Her happily ever after.