Rox POV

I had spent the better part of the afternoon preparing, smoothing every detail, from my dress to my hair, ensuring everything was flawless. When I heard the knock on the door, my heart stuttered, and Mist purred with anticipation.

He’s here.

I opened the door, and Cassian stood there, his powerful frame exuding an aura of command, but it was his expression that made my breath hitch. His usually sharp, focused gaze softened as it roamed over me. His breath caught audibly.

"Fuck, baby, you look amazing." His voice was deep, reverent, as though he’d never seen anything more captivating.

Mist hummed her approval. ‘He knows we are a vision of beauty and elegance.’

I smiled shyly, adjusting the silk fabric of my dress that clung to every curve. Its open back and shimmering material were bold but elegant, a deliberate choice that seemed to have rendered him speechless.

"Thank you, Cassian. Do you think it’s too much?" I asked softly, feigning worry.

He let out a low chuckle that sent warmth spiraling through me.

"Too much? Fuck no, baby. You’re not changing a thing. You’re stunning." He stepped closer, his large hand brushing mine as he offered his arm. "Shall we?"

I nodded, slipping my arm into his, the proximity making my pulse race. He led me to his sleek, black car, opening the door for me with a gentlemanly flourish before settling into the driver’s seat.

The drive started with light chatter, but it wasn’t long before his hand sought mine, his fingers intertwining with a possessive tenderness that made my stomach flip.

I glanced around the sleek interior, my brow raised in mild curiosity.

“What kind of car is this?” she asked, her tone calm but intrigued. “I’ve never seen it before.”

Cassian’s face lit up with boyish excitement, a rare look on the usually composed king. “It’s a Rivian R1S,” he said proudly. “All-electric, all blacked out. Isn’t she a beauty?”

I leaned back in my seat, my sharp gaze sweeping over the dashboard and the flawless finish. I nodded approvingly. “Very nice. I like it,”

"You know, Rox," he began, his voice low and thoughtful, "there’s something I need to tell you."

His serious tone made my heart skip a beat. Anxiety surged—what if he was about to reject me? I held my breath, bracing myself for the worst.

"Yes?" I managed, my voice barely a whisper.

He glanced at me briefly, his gaze filled with something raw and unguarded.

"I’ve known since the moment I laid eyes on you," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "You’re not just someone I care about, Rox. You’re my other half. My erastaí."

My heart thudded in my chest, his words piercing through every layer of doubt.

"Cassian, I..." I started, but he silenced me with a gentle kiss on the back of my hand, his lips warm against my skin.

"You’re mine," he murmured, his growl vibrating through the air. "In every way that matters, you belong to me."

Mist purred smugly, but I could barely process anything before he added, "And just in time, we’re here."

The restaurant was intimate, tucked away in a quiet corner of Eirindral. Soft jazz played in the background, the dim lighting creating an ambiance of warmth and privacy. Cassian helped me out of the car and we were seated in a private nook overlooking the rest of the dining area.

As we waited for our meals, Cassian leaned forward slightly, his gaze never leaving mine.

"Tell me more about yourself, Rox," he said, his tone soft but curious.

I hesitated for a moment before answering. "Well, I’m 28, as you know, a volana wolf, and I’m alone. I don’t have a family. My parents were killed in a rogue attack when I was too young to understand. After that..." I paused, swallowing the lump in my throat. "I moved through orphanages and foster homes until I was old enough to stand on my own."

His jaw tightened, his knuckles brushing against mine as he reached for my hand across the table.

"You didn’t deserve that," he said, his voice laced with anger at the injustice of my past. "I can’t imagine how hard it must have been."

I offered a small smile. "It made me stronger. I graduated, worked hard, and eventually made my way here to Eirindral. It’s been good... until you showed up."

His eyes sparkled with amusement. "You think I’ve ruined your peaceful life?"

"A little," I teased, laughing softly.

His thumb brushed against my knuckles, his smile softening. "Well, I plan to make it up to you. You’ll never feel alone again, Rox. Fate brought you to me.”