Chapter 9

"Will you stay?" I asked, my voice hoarse.

He was stunned for a moment, but in the next second, he gripped my hand tightly and nodded solemnly.

"As long as you're willing, I'll always be here."

Sunlight spilled through the gap in the curtains, landing on his brows and eyes.

In that moment, I finally understood what a gentle sanctuary felt like.

His presence was like a long-awaited spring breeze, quietly blowing open a tiny crack in the depths of my shattered heart.

Because of Damon, I had long since lost faith in the mate bond.

Mating was nothing more than a transaction.

I didn't even hold out any hope for it.

But I never expected Adrian to stay by my side, caring for me so meticulously and with the utmost tenderness.

He never once brought up the subject of mating.

Only when I asked about it did he gently say to me:

"Elliana, there's no need to rush the 'mating'."

"I'm willing to wait for you, until you truly want to be marked by me."