Page 31 of Kingdoms of Tides and Twilight

“Perfect. We'll leave as soon as possible,” Grayden decided, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Selenia's arms crossed over her chest, her expression haughty. “You better not be thinking of leaving me this time.”

Renya caught Grayden's conflicted look and gave him a pointed glance. Finally, he relented with a sigh. “You can come, Selenia.”

“I knew I liked you,” Selenia declared, winking at Renya conspiratorially.

As servers arrived with several more platters of food, Renya felt a sense of contentment wash over her. The easy banter between the three of them, the way they laughed and made plans together, it all felt so... right. Like family. A bittersweet ache bloomed in her chest as she thought of her aunt, wishing there was some way to let her know she was safe and happy.

The realization hit Renya like a bolt of lightning: she was happy. Truly, deeply happy. Who could have guessed that when she fell through that portal, she'd be stepping into her own future? It was as if everything that had come before in her life had been setting the stage for this moment, for the life she would build here with Grayden by her side.

As the meal drew to a close, Grayden rose to pull out Renya's chair, ever the gentleman. As he escorted her from the dining room, they caught sight of Tumwalt rounding a corner. The moment he spotted them, he quickly turned and retreated in the direction he had come.

“You must have really scared him,” Renya observed, unable to keep the amusement from her voice.

Grayden's response was simple but fierce. “No one insults my mate.”

Back in the privacy of their room, Grayden wasted no time in unlacing the back of Renya's dress. She shivered as his fingers brushed against her skin, her body already responding to his touch. He pulled his tunic over his head, tossing it carelessly to the floor before drawing her close.

His kiss was exquisitely slow, as if he was savoring every moment, committing the feel of her lips to memory. The sensation sent jolts of electricity through Renya's body, her pulse quickening as she melted into his embrace.

As Grayden's hands tangled in her hair, Renya found herself wondering if this feeling would ever fade. How had his parents managed to accomplish anything? All she wanted was to be with Grayden, to lose herself in his touch and never emerge.

Shifting to get more comfortable, Renya's hand brushed against something behind her pillow. Curious, she reached back and pulled out a book, its cover instantly recognizable in the flickering firelight.

“Grayden, how did you get this?” she asked, her voice filled with wonder as she traced the familiar title with her fingertips.

Grayden rolled over to face her, his expression soft. “I found it in the woods after you went through the portal. I found your entire bag. I couldn't bear to leave behind anything that belonged to you.”

Emotion welled up in Renya's throat, rendering her momentarily speechless. The gesture spoke volumes about Grayden's feelings for her, even before they had been fated.

No words were needed as Grayden pulled her into his arms. Renya nestled against him, feeling for the first time in her life that she was exactly where she was meant to be. As sleep began to claim her, she sent a silent prayer of thanks to whatever forces had brought her to this world, to this man, to this moment of perfect belonging.

Chapter Eighteen

Grayden had an entire new wardrobe created for Renya, and she couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement as Doria helped her into the new traveling outfit. The fabric was softer than anything she'd worn before, caressing her skin like a lover's touch. It was similar to the riding dress made for her previously, but this one was a deep, rich navy, adorned with intricate snowflakes embroidered in silver thread that seemed to shimmer with every movement.

As Renya smoothed her hands over the dress, her fingers lingered on the snowflake emblem. She had worn it before, understanding its significance to Grayden, but now, as his mate, she realized the weight of meaning it held for her as well. It wasn't just a symbol anymore; it was a part of her identity, a testament to her new life and the love she'd found.

The elkten pin, proudly displayed on her collar, caught the light, its delicate metalwork a perfect match to Grayden's. Renya touched it gently, marveling at how something so small could represent such a monumental change in her life.

Doria's deft hands adjusted the sleeves of the outfit, her fingers brushing against Renya's skin. Suddenly, the maid let out a startled gasp.

Alarm shot through Renya. “What's wrong?” she asked, her heart rate quickening.

Without a word, Doria gently pushed up Renya's sleeve, revealing the inside of her wrist. There, nestled against her pale skin, was a tiny silver snowflake. It was no larger than a half-inch, but it seemed to dance in the light, its surface shimmering with an iridescent, glitter-like quality that defied explanation.

“What is that?” Renya breathed, bewildered. She ran her fingers over the mark, and the moment she made contact, a warm sensation flooded through her entire body, as if she'd just stepped into a ray of sunshine.

Doria's face broke into a radiant smile. “It's your mating mark,” she explained, her voice filled with warmth. “You're a Snowden now, that's for certain.”

Renya traced the mark again, her fingertips grazing the delicate lines of the glistening snowflake. Each touch sent a pulse of warmth through her, a physical reminder of her bond with Grayden. The manifestation of their connection both delighted and confused her, raising a multitude of questions in her mind.

“Do you know where Grayden went?” she asked, suddenly desperate to share this discovery with him.

“The last time I saw him, he was heading in the direction of the library,” Doria replied, her eyes twinkling with knowing amusement.

“Thanks, Doria,” Renya said, barely containing her eagerness as she hurried out of their bedchamber.

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