Morning comes softly. I wake curled against Noah, my head tucked under his chin, his arm wrapped around me like he’s been holding me all night. His breathing is slow and deep, he’s completely asleep, peaceful in a way I don’t think I’ve ever seen before. For a moment, I just lie there, listening to the quiet cabin, the faint crackle of last night’s fire, the gentle lap of the lake outside. Then I remember. We marked each other. We completed our bond.My heart flutters, warm and steady. I shift slightly, and the blanket slips just enough for me to see his mark, the one I placed on him. It sits over his left shoulder, curling down his upper arm and across part of his chest.His family crest is at the center, bold and clear. But surrounding it… is a blue flame. My flame. It glows faintly, like living ink, shimmering when the morning light touches it. I reach out and trace the flame lightly with my fingertip. Noah stirs, his breath catching. His eyes blink open, soft and sleepy. “Morning.
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