The memory of my cries as they tore me away from Keryth echoes in my mind, and I close my eyes, wishing I could escape the gut-wrenching sound.

My biggest regret is that we never kissed. We wanted to wait for the right time. Now I realize the right time would’ve been anytime.

A welcome noise invades my thoughts, and I shoot up from the bed when I realize it’s footsteps. Quick, quiet ones.

A key turns the lock with a metallic click, and Zephina darts inside.

Before Kalla closes the door to give us privacy, my sister passes my faithful servant a gold coin. “For your silence, Kalla. Please.”

“Did you see him?” I run over, badgering Zephina before she has a chance to say hello.

“Yes, I saw him.” She tilts her head to the side. “He’s kind of scary-looking. All that hair, the muscles, and that black leather he wears. Black leather, Zella,” she emphasizes.

I let out a dreamy sigh. She’s listing some of my favorite things about Keryth.

Because of the hot temperatures in the Day Realm, thin fabrics and light colors are popular here, and the men tend to keep their hair shorter. Zephina’s never seen Night Realm people before, and I hadn’t considered the fact that their rugged appearance might startle her.

“He’s a gentleman through and through,” I defend. “He wouldn’t even kiss me because he didn’t want to ruin my honor by secrecy.”

Her face softens. “That’s very good of him.”

“Well, where is it?” Making grabbing motions at her, I impatiently hop as she produces an envelope from the pocket of her light blue dress.

“I did what you wanted.” She places it in my hand. “I asked him to write you a note.”

I go to open it, only to notice the wax seal is broken. “Did you read it?”

Zephina smirks. “Of course.”

I roll my eyes, but I don’t have time to be annoyed with her. Slipping the note out, I unfold it. But my eyebrows furrow with confusion when I see only one line has been written.

From dawn ‘til dusk, from dusk ‘til dawn, I’ll never love another.

“The mating vow,” I whisper. Shooting a confused look at Zephina, I turn the paper over, searching every inch for more. But it’s blank. “Why would he write that? It has to be said out loud for it to count. This doesn’t mean anything.”

“I think it’s beautiful. You’re just cranky because you’re away from your mate.”

Cranky is an understatement. “Striking right.”

“Zella,” Zephina admonishes, stepping back.

The forbidden fae profanity causes a rise of static electricity around me. My hair floats up, and even though Zephina put distance between us, it doesn’t save her from the shock.

“Such foul language.” Shaking her hand, she rids her body of the spark. “You never swear.”