Page 15 of Kingdoms of Tides and Twilight

Grayden's eyes widened, a mix of relief and curiosity crossing his features. “Really?” he asked, some of the tension leaving his shoulders. “My parents never mentioned anything about that...”

Renya couldn't suppress a small smile. “Can you blame them?”

Grayden laughed, the sound rich and genuine. “No, I guess not. As a child I would have been mortified...hell, even as an adult I wouldn't have wanted to hear about it.”

Renya giggled, trying to imagine how awkward that conversation might have been. She was embarrassed enough talking about it with Esmeralda.

“Renya,” Grayden said, his tone serious once more. “Are you sure it's okay if I stay here with you tonight? I promise, I won't do anything to make you uncomfortable. I meant what I said, I want this to be right for us. But...I don't think I could leave you alone in this room tonight.”

Her face softened with understanding. “Of course,” she replied, her voice warm. “In fact, I need you too.”

“You do?” he asked, relief evident in his voice.

“Yes,” she said, looking into his warm eyes. “I just...this is a big step for me, and I'm a bit nervous.”

Grayden nodded, understanding written across his features. “About what happened the night before you went back through the portal—I'm so sorry. I should have never—I mean, I thought—”

“Grayden, please don't apologize,” Renya interrupted, placing a finger gently on his lips. “What happened between us was just as it should be.”

He smiled, a genuine, heartfelt expression that lit up his entire face. She could sense his nervousness too, but there was also a deep certainty that they would face this new chapter together.

“So, if it's okay with you...can I just hold you tonight?” Grayden asked, his voice soft and full of emotion.

“Just let me get dressed into a nightgown or something,” Renya replied, glancing around the room. Her eyes fell on a nightdress hanging on the back of an ornate chair. As she approached it, she swallowed hard. The garment was far more revealing than anything she had worn in this world. In the human realm, it might have been considered tame, but she imagined Grayden might struggle to maintain his control. The nightgown was made of white silk with delicate straps at the shoulders and a plunging v-neckline. The hem stopped mid-thigh, leaving little to the imagination.

Feeling suddenly shy, Renya moved to the other side of the room to change. She debated retreating to the bathroom, but that felt strange given their connection and all they had experienced together. Grayden watched her cross the room, his gaze intense. Just as Renya was wondering whether to ask him to turn around, he made the decision for her. He moved to the far side of the bed and began removing his boots, his back to her.

Grateful for his consideration, Renya quickly slipped off her dress and sandals, then pulled the flimsy gown over her head. She released her hair from its ponytail, running her fingers through the strands in lieu of a brush. Catching sight of herself in the mirror, she took a deep breath, preparing herself for what felt like a monumental moment.

Barefoot, she turned back towards the bed, her stomach fluttering with nervous energy. Even though Grayden had promised nothing would happen tonight, it still felt charged with significance. Maybe it was the pure white of the nightdress, or the fact that this was their first night together in a real bed. Or perhaps it was the knowledge that they were now bound and promised to each other for life.

As Renya approached the bed, Grayden finished removing his shirt, his back still turned to her. She watched the play of muscles across his shoulders as he set the garment aside, admiring the strength evident in every line of his body. Then, slowly, he turned to face her.

The moment their eyes met, Renya could see Grayden's desire, evident in the tightness of his expression and the way his gaze raked over her form. A thrill of power surged through her, knowing she could elicit such a reaction from him.

Grayden moved towards her, his steps slow and cautious. Rather than feeling like prey being stalked, as she had earlier, Renya now felt like a delicate creature he was trying not to startle. When he was close enough to touch, he reached out, brushing her hair back from her shoulder. His fingers grazed her skin, leaving a trail of goosebumps in their wake.

“I'm sorry about the nightgown,” Renya began, gesturing to the revealing garment. “It's the only thing in here, but I know it must be hard on you—”

“Renya,” Grayden interrupted, his voice low and husky. “One day soon you'll be completely mine. I can handle the temptation now. At least, I'm going to try.” He sighed, resting his hand over her heart. “I might be desperate to claim your body right now, but my connection to you is deeper than anything physical. I love you. Even before you became my mate, I loved you. I think a part of me has always loved you, even before you came into my world. I was hollow and empty, just going through the motions in life. When you finally came to me, my entire existence changed. My lands, my magic, my title—they're not my priority anymore. Your health, your safety, your happiness—that's what I care about.”

Tears welled up in Renya's eyes, threatening to spill over. She had been certain of his feelings, but hearing him declare his love so eloquently made her heart swell with emotion. The analytical part of her brain, the one nurtured by her independent aunt, wondered if it was too soon for such intense feelings. But her heart recognized the truth in his words, feeling the depth of his love through their bond.

“Oh Grayden,” she said, moving into his arms and resting her head against his chest. The steady thump of his heartbeat was comforting, grounding her in the moment. “I love you too. Even before the bond, I wanted to be with you.” She looked up, meeting his gaze. The love shining in his eyes was almost overwhelming in its intensity.

Grayden leaned down, pressing his lips to hers in a kiss that was both tender and passionate. His hands caressed her shoulders as she parted her lips, deepening the kiss. Slowly, he guided her backwards until her knees hit the edge of the bed. Renya allowed herself to fall back onto the soft mattress, pulling Grayden down with her.

He settled beside her, his muscular chest just inches from her. Renya turned to face him, drinking in the sight of him. His face was marked with stubble; he obviously hadn't shaved for many days. Unable to resist, she reached out, running her fingers along his jaw, feeling the coarse hair beneath her fingertips.

Grayden leaned into her touch, covering her hand with his own and pressing it more firmly against his cheek. After a moment, he brought her hand to his lips, placing a gentle kiss on her palm before setting it on the bed between them. Propping his head up on his elbow, he gazed at her with an expression of wonder and adoration.

Renya stared back, feeling the deep connection between them humming like a live wire. She wanted to break the silence, to express the surge of emotions swirling within her, but found herself content in the quiet moment. Slowly, her breathing evened out, and she felt Grayden relax as well.This is good, she thought. Grayden seemed more in control of himself the longer they spent together.

“Grayden,” Renya said softly, breaking the comfortable silence. “What are we going to do about Cressida?”

Grayden rubbed his chin as he considered her question, his fingers tracing patterns on the sheet between them. “I'm not sure yet,” he admitted. “I imagine that not only unlocking your power but losing it is a huge blow to her. She desired your power and now you have it, and she doesn't.”

Renya frowned, a flicker of worry crossing her features. “What good is my power? I have no idea how to even use it.”

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