She caressed the soft, translucent skin beneath the impenetrable shield, her eyes able to see the massive heart beating before her, its veins coursing through his strong chest, pure vitality that he offered her, and she would take it.

"I, Aysling Allen, Nahara of the Shadow Claw pack, accept you as my Dragon mate. I will protect your heart and give you mine, for you to guard, for all eternity."

She spoke the ritual words she had learned from Azura and made a small cut just above the heart, which contracted from the attack and began to release a stream of dark, powerful blood trickling down his chest.

Aysling brought her mouth close and began to drink, her tears mingling with her mate's blood. How could such bitter joy exist in life?

Aaron closed his eyes with pleasure and happiness.

At last, after what felt like centuries upon centuries of waiting, he was bonding with his true mate.

Outside the palace and throughout the capital, a stunning illusion appeared as if thousands of shooting