"A child who must not live! Born out of a curse to die so others might live. Do not hate your people; hate your own fate."
One person out of the two people heard this voice in their dream as they slept under the tree. With only the birds and creatures of the night aware of what had happened the previous night, a bride was marked by the ruler of the night to be his own. His to claim, and his to protect.
Kael grunted when the morning sun kissed his face. He tried to stand but couldn't, then slowly opened his eyes. Beside him was the human girl, sleeping with her small body curled up like a ball. They had slept outside the entire night. Kael rubbed his stomach; it was all healed.
He gently moved the girl to the side, pushing himself up from the ground. Kael stretched his body, humming in delight when the stiff bones cracked.
