Lysaa’s POV
Lorien laughed, a deep, warm sound that sent a shiver down my spine. “And now you’ll see it better than anyone,” he said, his ruby eyes gleaming with mischief. I was becoming obsessed with them.
I blinked, a little surprised. “How’s that possible?”
His lips curled into a knowing smile. “Because now that the soul bond has been established, you share all my traits,” he explained. “You’ve also got some of my blood in you.”
I nodded, prompting him to go on.
“Draconian fluids have powerful healing properties,” Lorien continued. “And the soul bond amplified that effect, healing your eyes.”
I stared at him, stunned by the revelation. “I thought you said I’d see through your eyes.”
At that, Lorien burst out laughing-a rich, melodic sound that sent heat rushing to my cheeks.
“I didn’t mean that literally, my silly little fire,” he said, scooping me up into his arms with ease. “When I said you’d see through my eyes, I meant that, now that we share traits, you have a dragon’s eye-along with other heightened senses.” His smile turned teasing as he added, “You actually thought we’d share my eyes? No, sweetheart. How would that work if we were in different rooms?”
I flushed, feeling thoroughly embarrassed. “Stop laughing at me!” I muttered, crossing my arms with a pout.
“I can’t help it,” Lorien said, his eyes sparkling with mirth. “You’re adorable.”
“I am not adorable,” I muttered, pretending to pout.
He raised a brow, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Oh, really?”
Before I could respond, he leaned in and started kissing my neck, his lips soft and teasing as they brushed against my skin.
“Lorien, stop!” I squealed, trying-and failing-to push him away. The kisses tickled, and I couldn’t stop the giggles that bubbled up in my throat.
He chuckled against my skin, his arms tightening around me as he continued his playful assault.
“Say you forgive me,” he murmured between kisses.
“Okay, okay! I forgive you!” I laughed, wriggling in his arms. “Just stop!”
Lorien finally pulled back, his face alight with laughter and affection.
“I promise to always make you happy, Lysaa,” he said softly, his expression turning serious as he cupped my face in his hands.
“You already do,” I whispered, leaning into his touch.
For a long moment, we stayed like that, wrapped in each other’s warmth, savoring the quiet joy of what we had just accomplished. But I couldn’t keep this to myself-I needed to share it.
“We should tell the others,” I said softly, pulling back just enough to look up at Lorien.
He smiled, brushing his thumb gently across my cheek. “Are you ready for that?”
“Yes,” I said firmly. “They’ve been so worried about me. I want them to know that I’m okay… that I can see again.”
Lorien’s eyes gleamed with pride, and he nodded. “Let’s go, then.”
He took my hand, threading his fingers through mine, and led me out of the room. As we walked down the hall, I couldn’t help but marvel at everything around me. The smooth walls and floors, the intricate tapestries, the soft glow of the lights lining the corridor- I suddenly had an appreciation for everything. After being blind for what feels like eternity, it felt like I was seeing the world for the first time, and it was breathtaking.
We reached the main living room, and the familiar hum of voices greeted us. I could hear Kamrynn’s laugh, bright and melodic, mingling with the deeper tones of Calvin and Franklin. The sound made me smile, and my heart swelled with affection for the people who had become my family.
As we stepped into the room, all conversation came to an abrupt halt.
“Lysaa!” Kamrynn’s voice was full of warmth and excitement as she rushed over to us, her cerulean eyes shining. She was breathtaking, she looked completely different from when I helped her escape the Pack. It made this so much worth it.
“You’re up! How do you feel?”
I opened my mouth to answer, but before I could say anything, Kamrynn froze, her gaze locking onto mine. Her eyes widened, and I could see the exact moment she realized what had happened.
“Wait… Lysaa, are you…?”
“I can see,” I said softly, my voice trembling with emotion. “Kamrynn, I can see.”
For a heartbeat, no one moved. And then Kamrynn let out a joyful cry and threw her arms around me, hugging me tightly.
“Oh my goddess! Lysaa, that’s incredible!” she exclaimed, pulling back just enough to look into my eyes. “I can’t believe it! You can really see?”
I laughed, nodding. “Yes, I can really see.”
She hugged me again, and I felt tears prick at my eyes as I returned the embrace.
When we finally pulled apart, Calvin stepped forward, his expression a mixture of shock, relief, and something else-something deeper.
“Lysaa,” he said quietly, his voice thick with emotion. “That’s… that’s amazing.”
He hesitated for a moment, as if unsure what to say, and I knew why. Considering he was the one who blinded me in the first place, I understood he felt guilty. It was a weight he would continue to carry and that was his karma even though I had forgiven him long ago.
“Thank you, Calvin. Now I can really keep an eye on you and make sure you never hurt my bestie again.” I teased and he smiled, nodding.
His eyes shone with gratitude as he spoke. “I won’t. I’m so glad you’re okay.”
Franklin and Amara were next, both of them beaming as they stepped forward to congratulate me.
“This is a miracle,” Amara said, her voice full of awe.
Franklin grinned, clapping Lorien on the shoulder. “I knew you’d find a way to make it happen,” he said. “You’re as persistent as they come.”
Lorien chuckled, his hand tightening around mine. “I had a lot of motivation,” he said, glancing down at me with a soft smile.
As we all stood there, basking in the joy of the moment, Kamrynn suddenly clapped her hands together, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
“I have an idea,” she announced. “Since this is such a special occasion, I think we should do something to celebrate.”
“What do you have in mind?” Calvin asked, raising an eyebrow.
Kamrynn grinned. “A dual mating ceremony. Lysaa and Lorien, you can have your official mating ceremony alongside my Luna ceremony. What do you think?”
I blinked, surprised by the suggestion. But as I looked around at the smiling faces of my friends-my family-I knew it was the perfect idea.
“I love it,” I said, my heart full.
Lorien squeezed my hand, and I glanced up to see him smiling down at me, his eyes glowing with affection. “Then it’s settled,” he said. “A dual ceremony it is.”
“Perfect!” Kamrynn exclaimed, practically bouncing with excitement.
Calvin chuckled and called for some champagne, which was quickly brought over with a tray of glasses. He popped the cork with a practiced ease, and a cheer went up as he poured the sparkling liquid into the row of glasses.
“To new beginnings,” he said, raising his glass.
“To new beginnings,” we all echoed, clinking our glasses together.
As I took a sip of the champagne, I felt a warmth spread through me-a warmth that had nothing to do with the drink and everything to do with the people around me.
This was more than just a celebration. It was a promise of the bright, beautiful future that lay ahead. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect ending.