Nyx POV
500 Years Ago
The air in front of us shimmers like water. With every gust of wind, the world around us disappears, and a new one replaces it. I am filled with fear and uncertainty, but not Cassian. I have never seen Cassian so excited. His silver eyes are glimmering with hope, and I have to shove my feelings to the side. This isn't about me- not anymore.
He holds his hand up to the sky and it disappears. He looks back at me with a blinding smile on his face. "Are you coming?"
I force a fake smile on my lips. "Do I have a choice?"
Cassian pulls his hand from the portal and cups my cheek. I try not to lean into the warmth of his touch. That would only give me false hope that he would return my affection.
"They could be over there," he whispers. "Our mates could be in the Human Realm!"
"It is forbidden," I manage to mumble. I don't want my mate. I want Cassian.
"I am the Prince," he smiles. "They can't tell me no."