It was midnight now, and the two of them were still awake. Adina stirred, wrapped in the sheets, with his warm body on hers. If there was one thing Adina loved, it was how he ran hot like a furnace.

Thorne's hand lazily traced the curve of her waist, fingertips brushing over the new bruises and hickeys he left on her skin again.

She smiled sleepily against his chest, her leg tangled with his. "You're doing that thing again," she murmured.

"Hm?"

"Tracing me like I'm a map," she teased, glancing up at him.

"I'm trying to memorize you," he said, his voice low and raspy from sleep. "Every inch. Every mark. Especially this one."

His fingers brushed over the mating mark on her neck, the place where his beast had sunk his fangs into her skin. Adina shivered slightly under his touch.

"You shouldn't hide it," Thorne said suddenly, his voice gruffer now. "I love it on you."

Adina blinked, turning to face him with a soft scoff. "You ordered me to keep it hidden."

Thorne stared at her for a second, then groaned, dragging his hand over his face, eyes closing as he winced. "I was such a damn fool."

Adina giggled softly, tracing a finger along his jaw. "Maybe."

He caught her wrist, holding it up to his lips.

"I was an idiot." He looked at her now, his eyes dark. "Forgive me." He kissed her palm.

Adina shook her head. Not once did she think she'd have the king of the southern realm beside her like this, as her mate and one who wants her too. "There's nothing to forgive," she said.

Yes, it hurt a lot back then, but now… she was so happy that she couldn't even remember the hurt anymore.

Thorne sighed, his eyes distant as if he was remembering everything he did to her or said to her. "No. There's so much that I did. So many…" he trailed off, shaking his head. He looked at her earnestly. "Don't forgive me so easily, Adina. I'll earn your forgiveness."

Adina's heart skipped a beat. Her lips parted slightly, but no words came out. "Thorne," she whispered.

"You're so good to me, Adina. Too good for me."

Adina shook her head yet again. She didn't believe that. He's Thorne, the Lycan king and ruler of the realm. How could she ever be too good for him?

She didn't say anything, though. She'll unpack that much later and instead allow herself to feel the warmth in his words.

Thorne held her closer to him, like he wanted their skin to melt together, his face at the crook of her neck.

He groaned deliriously… "Your scent is always so fucking good."

Adina smiled at this. Her wolf was howling with joy inside.

Thorne leaned back a little. "You know, we have to start preparations for the hunt soon."

Adina's brows furrowed. "The hunt?"

He hummed. "Every year we have a hunt where the nobles, warriors, and even some royals take part. It's more of a show of skill and power than survival, really. But it's a tradition and it's fun."

Adina blinked at him, curiosity instantly sparking in her eyes. "Do they actually hunt something?"

"Nothing significant. But there's always a prize for the winning team, so it's one of the most anticipated events of the realm," he said

.

Adina nodded, her eyes distant as she thought about how fun it would be. She's never been a part of something like that. "Can—is it just for the nobles and warriors? Are the maids allowed to attend?" she asked.

"It's for everyone who wants to join, baby. Do you want to attend?" he asked.

Adina blushed and nodded. "Yes."

"Then it's settled. You'll join the hunt as part of my team."

"What? Didn't you say teams are decided that day?" she asked, turning to look at him.

Thorne smirked. "You don't want to be on your mate's team?" he teased.

Adina's face flushed hard, her breath hitching when he called himself her mate. "N-No… it's just— you should follow the rules even if you're the king," she mumbled.

"Of course, of course. As you wish. Until then," he winked at her.

Adina smiled, her cheeks red with no intent of fading. She snuggled more into Thorne, inhaling his scent too. She shivered internally as his scent assaulted her senses. It was addicting.

She blinked, trying to push away the scent daze. She then cleared her throat. "I um—I want to go to town tomorrow."

At this, Thorne stiffened like she'd said something abominable. "To town? Why?"

Adina looked away. "It's just— I haven't seen Obsidian as a whole except from the palace, and since I can now—"

"No," Thorne said firmly.

Adina blinked. "No? But why?"

"Why? Adina, there are still remnants of the spell. You aren't completely rid of it, and after what happened… I don't think it's wise for you to leave the palace for the town on your own."

Adina stared at him, lips pressed in a way he knew she was about to bullshit him. "Firstly," she began.

"Baby…" He groaned, and if she wasn't already in bed, she'd fall down from hearing him call her baby.

She pouted… "You won't listen?"

Thorne looked at her. "I'm always listening to you."

She couldn't help the smile that stretched on her face; her heart was so full of joy. "Thessara gave me the herbs to help, and the spell has really reduced now. Also, if you're really worried, then maybe you can…" she toyed with the blanket covering them. "You can come with me."

Thorne narrowed his eyes at her, not missing the sly smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "You're manipulating me."

Adina grinned. "I'm persuading you. Very gently."

He let out a tired, amused huff and pinched the bridge of his nose. "You really want to go that badly?"

"I do."

He looked at her and nodded. "Then we'll go."

Adina's eyes widened. "Y-You'll come with me?" She blanched.

Thorne chuckled, pulling her closer to him, his face buried in her hair. "I'll always come with or to you."

Adina smiled. "You're so cheesy."

He hummed. "And you don't like it, huh?"

"NO!" She screeched, whipping her head to look at him. She caught heels when she saw him grinning at her. "No. I like it. Don't stop," she mumbled, snuggling him tightly.

"Then it's settled. We will go into town tomorrow."