TW:
This chapter contains a lot of sexual references and acts.
"What is troubling you, my love?" he asked, his voice soft and gentle.
Naiari lowered her eyes but Kael raised her chin up so that she could look at him and he could see that her eyes were filled with worry. "I am afraid, Kael," she confessed. "I am afraid that I won't be strong enough, that I won't be able to endure the pain."
Kael's heart ached at her words. He knew how daunting the marking ritual could be, even for a Lycan. For a human, it was even more perilous. He pulled her closer, his embrace comforting.
"You don't have to be afraid, Naiari," he reassured her. "I am going to be with you every step of the way. I promise to be gentle. I will never let any harm come to you."
"But I heard that I could die." Naiari said and Kael's gaze sharpened.
"Who told you that?" He demanded.