Page 85 of Stone Heart

“And you, Rhodack Gahnoth, clan leader of Clan Gahnoth,” Vikuth’s voice echoed through the chamber.

The audience quieted, captivated by the ritual.

Rhodack’s chest rumbled. He stepped forward, his fangs aching, and he reached for Rina. He pulled her flush against his body. Her trusting eyes closed, and she leaned back, producing her neck for him.

Anticipation filled the air as the crowd waited.

He leaned down and placed his face in the crook of her neck, breathing in her delicious scent.

“You will belong to me forever,” he murmured against her skin.

“Then claim me, Rhodack,” she whispered back, putting her trust solely in him. “I’m yours.”

A growl rose from his chest, and he sank his fangs into her soft flesh, sealing their fate together. The second her blood filled his mouth, he felt the final link between them forge together, sealing them together as mates for all eternity.

He pulled away, throwing back his head, a mighty roar escaping his mouth.

Cheers went up and echoed all around them. He glanced down at Rina, afraid he may have harmed her but was met with her large smile.

The stone around his heart no longer existed. Instead, an elf held it in the palm of her hand.