The water settles in my stomach with a deep sense of satisfaction. Well, I can see why the Night Realm wanted this resource. I feel energized and hydrated.

After drinking for himself, Keryth leads me to an opening behind the waterfall. A dark tunnel, hidden by some hanging vines. The entry is barely tall enough for us to walk through, and we both duck as we shuffle inside.

“This cave is a secret among the royals,” Keryth tells me. “It’s a private getaway where newlyweds complete the bond.”

“I’ve heard about it, but I wasn’t sure if it was a myth.”

“Your parents didn’t tell you about it?”

I let out a forlorn sigh. “I’m sure Mother planned to, once I was old enough.”

Keryth draws me closer to his side in a show of support and solidarity. “I’m sorry, my sweet. I understand your pain.”

I nod. Losing your parents is never easy. He got to have both of his for many years, and I’m glad for him. He wouldn’t be the man he is today without their wisdom and guidance.

Placing my hand on the hard ridges of his abs, I soak up the comfort his proximity gives me.

“No more sad talk,” he says, tickling my side. “Today is a happy day.”

“It is,” I agree.

The daylight behind us is fading in the shadows, and I’m starting to wonder if we’ll have to navigate our way through here in complete darkness. But then there’s a blue glow up ahead, and it illuminates the various plants growing from the rocks.

As we get farther into the cave, the light gets brighter. The air smells damp and earthy. Fresh and natural.

When we finally make it to the end, there’s a round-shaped room with a hot bubbling spring on one side. It’s where the glow is coming from, almost as if the ground is lit from within. On the other side, there’s a place with a small table and two chairs. Shelves are chiseled into the rock, and when I look closer, I see a book sitting there.

After dumping my satchel on the floor, I go over to it, pick it up, and turn to the first page.

Surprised, I glance at Keryth. “A record of all the couples who’ve been here?”

He looks over my shoulder. “Must be a guest book. Wow, this goes all the way back to King Jarmon and Queen Taiyana. Your ancestors.”

Meaning, this thing is old. The rule of my great-great-great grandparents was over two hundred thousand years ago. They’ve long since passed away, but I was told they lived a full life of almost thirty thousand years.

“The paper must be enchanted.” I run a finger along the white undamaged pages.