Cindra’s POV
Helio held my hand the entire walk back into the castle. We didn’t say much, but there was really nothing to say. The insatiable ache seemed to grow stronger with every step through the halls. The closer we drew to the section of the castle where his chambers were situated, the more real it felt. This was it. There would be no going back. Everyone knew that the marking ceremony was the most binding part of all of this.
My legs trembled, not just from anxiety but from the anticipation that coiled around me. He led me down the hallway toward his bedroom. My breath snagged in my throat as we crossed the threshold of Helio’s room. I’d never been in here before, but it was exactly as I’d imagined it to be, decorated with rich reds and golds. Most of his furniture was a dark, almo
