Even those bound to her by blood had been monsters, trampling her fragile heart. It was only natural for her to wonder if others would do the same. But Raven wasn't like them. He did nothing of the sort. The kindness he showed her was something she had never experienced before.
It was different. It was neither pity nor just another shallow feeling.
For the first time, she no longer had to worry about being hurt.
"Huh…"
Tears welled up in Seraphina's large eyes, but they were no longer tears of sadness. They were tears of joy, of pure relief, spilling down her cheeks like a cleansing rain.
"Thank you for marrying me, Seraphina," Raven whispered, his voice thick with emotion.
He held her close, his rough hand gently patting her back, grounding her in his embrace.
"Thank you for being with me," he continued his words a balm to her soul.
Seraphina burrowed deeper into his arms, their skin still pressed together.
