Roshan sat there for a long time.
Head in his hands. Mind racing.
'A bond. An actual mate bond. Not just attraction. Not just kindness or protection instincts. A real, gods-blessed mate bond forming between us.'
'And if what Elder Mira said is true, Nyx is probably experiencing the same thing. The same pull. The same need. The same bond forming with her.'
'She's bonding with both of us and we had no idea. No idea what's happening to her body. What these feelings mean. What choice she's actually facing.'
'This is wrong. Has to be wrong. She's unconscious. Can't consent. Might wake up and hate me for this. Might feel violated. Might choose Nyx just to get away from me.'
But.
'She's hurt because I took her to that ravine. Hurt because I didn't protect her well enough. Hurt because I couldn't stop that thing from dragging her into the darkness. This is my fault. My responsibility. And if there's a way to help her heal faster, to ease her suffering, shouldn't I take it?'
