the moment she knew

It was late at night. The others – Kaine, Darion, and Kismet – were asleep or occupied elsewhere. Asuriel couldn't sleep, and her restless mind caused her to toss and turn in bed. Her head was full of questions she had no answers to.

Was the way she felt about Vaerion only due to her body's awakening?

Why did she go from completely confident to easily flustered and avoidant when it came to him?

Was it the bond?

After several hours of suffering in silence, Asuriel decided to get out of bed and walk around to clear her mind. Ever the heavy sleeper, Kismet didn't even stir when she moved him to get out of bed.

Asuriel slid into her house slippers and threw on a robe over her nightgown before leaving her room. She took a deep breath and started down the hall with no destination in mind.