Page 37

Vipin stirred, a tiny yawn escaping his lips. Thornix chuckled. "Already restless."

"Just like you," I teased.

He raised an eyebrow. "Me? I seem to recall someone who couldn't sit still during the council meetings."

A laugh bubbled up from within me. "Fair point."

Valerine's hand grasped onto a small strand of my hair, her grip surprisingly strong. I smiled down at her. "She's got spirit."

"Just like her mother," Thornix said softly.

A comfortable silence settled over us. The stars began to peek through the canopy, tiny beacons of light against the deepening sky. The air was cool, but wrapped in Thornix's cloak, we were warm.

I closed my eyes for a moment, letting the sounds of the forest wash over me. The distant call of night birds, the rustling of small creatures, the gentle whisper of the wind.

"Do you remember when we first met?" Thornix's voice was low, thoughtful.

I opened my eyes, a smile tugging at my lips. "How could I forget? You appeared out of nowhere, all mysterious and brooding."

He smirked. "I wasn't brooding."

I raised an eyebrow. "You hardly spoke a word."

"I was cautious."

"Cautious?" I chuckled. "You scared me half to death."

He feigned offense. "I thought I was quite charming."

"Eventually," I conceded. "Once you decided to actually talk to me."

He brushed his fingers against mine. "I'm glad I did."

"Me too." I glanced down at the twins. "Otherwise, we wouldn't have them."

He followed my gaze, a gentle expression softening his features. "They are the best parts of us."

I felt a surge of affection for him. "You know, you're not as aloof as you pretend to be."

He sighed dramatically. "You've uncovered my secret."

I grinned. "I've got a talent for that."

He leaned in closer, his breath warm against my cheek. "You unravel me, Acacia."

A pleasant shiver ran down my spine. "Good."

For a moment, we simply existed, two souls intertwined, surrounded by the magic of the forest and the promise of a new beginning.

"I wonder what the future holds," I mused quietly.

Thornix gazed out into the shadows of the trees. "Adventure, undoubtedly."

I chuckled softly. "As long as we're together."

He took my hand, pressing a kiss to my palm. "Always."

The weight of the day began to settle over me. Exhaustion tugged at the edges of my consciousness, but I fought to stay in this perfect moment a little longer.