Page 53 of Sanctuary and Spices
The garden swayed around us, responding to our shared energy. Vines caressed our skin, flowers bloomed and released intoxicating scents, and the air itself seemed charged with electricity. When release finally claimed us again, the crystal formations sang so sweetly I thought they might shatter. The climax washed over us in waves, leaving us trembling and breathless in its wake.
We lay wrapped in each other’s arms as our breathing steadied, basking in the afterglow. Beyond our green sanctuary, I could hear the festival continuing - music and laughter drifting on the night air. But in that moment, nothing existed except us, wrapped in this perfect bubble of contentment and love.
“I love you,” I whispered against his chest, feeling the words resonate through the bond. They felt inadequate to express the depth of what I felt, but they were all I had.
His arms tightened around me as his markings flared brighter, a physical manifestation of his emotions. “And I love you, my mate,” he replied, his voice thick with emotion. The words settled into my very bones, a promise and a vow all in one.
After, we lay tangled together in a bed of soft moss that definitely hadn’t been there before. Ronhar’s markings still glowed softly, creating patterns that shifted and changed as he traced lazy circles on my back.
“I never thought I’d find this,” he murmured into my hair. “Find you.”
I pressed closer, savoring the way his arms tightened around me. “What happens now?”
“Whatever we want.” He lifted my hand to his lips. “The café, the garden - we’ll build something amazing together.”
“Together,” I agreed, watching his markings flare brighter at the word.
The crystals chimed softly, their song perfectly aligned with the station’s background hum. Everything felt... right. Like puzzle pieces clicking into place.
A commotion beyond our sanctuary drew my attention.
“The environmental controls are finally stabilizing-”
“Look at these readings! The resonance patterns are completely balanced-”
“Has anyone ever seen Jhyra that color before?”
I laughed against Ronhar’s chest. “I think we caused some excitement.”
“Let them wonder.” He pulled me closer. “This is just for us.”
RONHAR
The vines peeled back slowly, letting starlight filter through their woven canopy. Jani lay curled against my chest, her breath warm against my skin. My markings still glowed from our bonding, painting patterns across her bare shoulders.
“Look at that,” I murmured, brushing a fallen Jhrya petal from her hair. The flower gleamed gold and silver, nothing like its usual pale blue. “I’ve never seen them bloom that color before.”
Jani lifted her head, studying the transformed garden. “Did we do that?”
“The bond did.” I traced the curve of her spine, savoring how she pressed closer. “Everything’s different now. Steadier.”
“Show me how.” She caught my hand, pressing it against one of my markings. “I want to understand.”
“Here.” I guided her fingers along the spiraling pattern. “They’re not just decoration - they’re part of what we are. They channel energy, emotion...” I broke off as her touch sent sparks through my nerves. “Connection.”
A cheer erupted from the festival beyond our sanctuary. “Did you see those readings?” someone shouted. “The whole station’s stabilized!”
“About time,” another voice answered. “The environmental controls were going haywire.”
Jani grinned. “I think we fixed more than just us.”
“Apparently.” I pulled her closer, nuzzling her hair. “Though I’d rather focus on us right now.”
“Mmmm.” She stretched, catlike, then froze. “Wait - the festival! We abandoned our booth!”
“Lyrian’s handling it.”
“You trust him with our food?”
