The sound of clapping pulls me from the trance-like state the violin always seems to lull me into. The melody I had been playing fades into the air, leaving behind the echo of its haunting notes. I blink, adjusting to reality, and turn toward the sound.
There she is. Ember.
Standing in the doorway, her green eyes sparkling with amusement, she's radiant in a way that goes beyond her physical beauty. She's glowing, practically shining with the new weight of her title. It's been a week since her mating ceremony, and while the time wasn't long, it feels like years since I last saw her.
A smile creeps onto my face, unbidden but welcome. "Well, if it isn't the Alpha's mate," I say, letting my laugh carry the teasing tone. But truly, I missed her.
