The grand hall of Castle Eldoria shimmered beneath the glow of a thousand enchanted lanterns, each casting a silver light that danced like fireflies against the ancient stone walls. Rich tapestries embroidered with gold thread hung from the high vaulted ceilings, depicting legends of demi-human heroes and moonlit spirits.

The scent of blooming nightflowers mingled with perfumes and the low murmur of nobles draped in finery—elves with their delicate, shimmering ears, fae glittering like starlight, and humans in robes of silk and jewels.

Roven stood near the edge of the hall, wolf ears twitching beneath his dark hood. Amber eyes scanned the ballroom with the cold caution of a hunter. He didn't belong here. A guard like him thrived in shadows and steel, not among crystal chandeliers and political smiles. Yet here he was, summoned by royal decree.

Then the world tilted.

From across the marble floor, Lunari appeared.

Moonlight incarnate—silver hair that shimmered like threads of stardust, eyes glowing soft as glacial dawn. Nobles turned, breath caught. Some stared in longing. Others with hate.

But Roven only felt heat. Tension. Pull.

The bond struck like lightning.

An invisible surge rippled through the air, hitting them both. Lunari's radiant gaze met Roven's, and the world narrowed to that connection, a cosmic tether burning bright between soul and soul.

Gasps swept through the ballroom as a pale crescent mark ignited faintly over Roven's chest. It shimmered like sacred ink — Lunari's divine essence made flesh.