After two days of rest, Nina began the bonding ceremonies with her mates.
Kith went first, followed by the others in the order they had come into her life.
That day, Odian inscribed the bond mark for Nina and Kith. That night, Kith took her away alone. By the next morning, a faint golden mark had appeared on his forehead.
Then it was Finch's turn.
As Odian finished carving the mark between him and Nina, Finch stared at his fingertips, his heart trembling.
After tonight… he would truly become Nina's mate.
He glanced toward Taru, silently seeking confirmation. Taru gave him a small, reassuring nod.
"Nina, let's go." Finch took her hand, unable to hide his excitement.
"Let's go." Nina let him lead her into a small grove nearby.
There, he brought her to a simple but beautifully decorated shelter he had hastily built.
"Nina… I'm sorry," he said softly. "There wasn't enough time to prepare something better."
