As the footsteps drew closer, I turned in my seat, my heart fluttering at the sight of Sebastian stepping into the room. He came to an abrupt halt, his eyes locking onto mine.

For a moment, his expression was unreadable - his mouth slightly open, his brows lifting faintly. Then, slowly, his gaze roamed over me, taking in every detail as if he couldn't quite believe what he was seeing.

He blinked, his jaw tightening for a second before it relaxed again. His lips parted, as though he wanted to speak, but no words came. The silence stretched, heavy and charged.

"I-I..." he finally managed, the faintest quiver in his voice. The single syllable hung in the air before dying away, as if he'd forgotten what he meant to say.

His eyes, which had been traveling up and down my figure, met mine again. They were wide, bright, and filled with something I couldn't quite place - was it awe? Or was it something deeper, something more vulnerable?

"Gods, Verena," he breathed, the words soft and reverent, as though speaking them too loudly might shatter the moment. "You look so..."

He trailed off, his voice faltering. A faint flush crept up his neck, and he quickly averted his gaze, giving his head a small shake as if to regain his composure. "Apologies," he said, his tone now a touch steadier. "The council mentioned you'd be here."

I nodded, heat rising to my cheeks at the intensity of his reaction. There was something about the way he said my name, the way his voice wrapped around it, that made my heart stutter in my chest.

"Yes," I replied, my voice a bit breathier than I intended. "Maleia was kind enough to escort me to the kitchen."

He gave a brief nod, though his attention was still on me, his gaze lingering longer than it should have. His words came out slightly rushed, as though he was trying to redirect his thoughts. "That's...good. I'm glad she found you without any trouble."

I swallowed hard, resisting the urge to fidget under his intense scrutiny. The air between us felt charged, the weight of unspoken thoughts pressing down on me. Finally, I mustered enough courage to break the tension. "So...did you find anything at the border?" My voice came out louder than I intended, almost too sharp in the quiet room.

Sebastian blinked, as though my question had pulled him from a dream. He cleared his throat, straightening slightly. "Yes. I-uh-yes," he stammered, his hand running through his dark hair in a habitual gesture. "I found something. Or rather...someone." He hesitated, his gaze dipping momentarily before returning to mine. "Two someones, actually."

That caught my attention. I leaned forward slightly, curiosity sharpening my focus. "Two someones?" I echoed, keeping my tone neutral despite the intrigue bubbling inside me. "Who?"

Sebastian's expression shifted, his face softening into something almost somber. He exhaled slowly, as though the weight of his discovery was still heavy on his chest. "Two faerie women," he said quietly, his voice tinged with sadness. "One was dead. The other..." He hesitated again, his jaw tightening briefly. "The other was barely alive."

A chill ran down my spine, the gravity of his words sinking in. I'd seen death before - too many times, in fact. I'd even caused it with my own hands when necessity demanded it. But the thought of finding someone teetering so close to the edge, clinging to life by a thread, sent a sick, twisting feeling through my stomach.

"What happened to them?" I asked, my voice quieter now, the initial spark of curiosity replaced by dread.

Sebastian's gaze dropped for a moment, his hand flexing at his side as if the memory still lingered. "I don't know yet," he admitted, his voice barely above a murmur. "But the surviving woman...she spoke before she lost consciousness. She said they were being hunted."

My breath caught at his words, and I sat up straighter, a thousand questions flooding my mind. Hunted? By whom? Or what?

"And the dead one?" I asked hesitantly, though I wasn't sure I wanted to hear the answer.

Sebastian's eyes darkened, his jaw tightening again. "Her body was...mutilated," he said carefully, his tone grim. "Whoever did this wanted to send a message."

A chill ran through me, settling like ice in my chest as I spoke, my voice quieter than intended. "Faeries don't typically kill each other unless it's absolutely necessary," I murmured, my brows furrowing deeply. "Even between rival courts."

The thought sat heavy in the air as I paused, taking steadying. I struggled to grasp the gravity of my own question, but I had to ask.

"So, it couldn't have been another court. What could have done something like this?"

Sebastian's jaw tightened, his broad shoulders stiffening as a dark shadow crossed his face. "Hell if I know," he muttered, his tone gruff and edged with frustration. "There are a few possibilities, I suppose. Goblins, maybe nymphs - they've been known to clash with us. But the way they were attacked..." His voice trailed off, darker and quieter now. "It was savage. Like something was tearing into them."

A cold shiver raced down my spine, my stomach twisting as his words painted a gruesome image in my mind. "Tearing into them?" I echoed, my voice barely a whisper.

Sebastian gave a single tense nod, his eyes stormy with unease. "Like an animal. They were ripped apart, gutted, shredded." His words were blunt and heavy, each one landing with the weight of a boulder. "Even other faeries wouldn't kill like this - not with so much brutality."

My throat felt dry, the air itself seemed to tighten around me. The vivid, awful picture of mutilated bodies clawed at my mind, making my skin prickle with cold dread.

"Gods, Sebastian..." I breathed, barely audible. "That's horrifying."

He let out a weary sigh, running a hand through his dark hair, the gesture one of tired frustration. "It is," he agreed, his tone grim.

I tried to make sense of it, but the pieces didn't fit. Faeries could easily handle normal predators. It wasn't possible for any ordinary animal to overpower them like this. Whatever did it had to be something...more.

"It couldn't have been normal animals," I said slowly, as though piecing my own thoughts together aloud. "Faeries could stop any natural predator with ease. It has to be something else."

Sebastian's lips pressed into a thin line, his sharp features hardening as he considered my words. "The only creatures I can think of that might cause damage like this are faerie dragons," he said after a moment, his voice cautious. "But they've been peaceful for decades. We even keep them as pets now. They aren't aggressive - at least, not anymore."

The mention of faerie dragons sent a jolt of unease through me. The idea of such creatures reverting to brutality, or breaking a fragile peace, was unsettling.

Sebastian sighed again, his hand dragging through his hair as if he could scrub away the tension that had settled between us.

"Hell, I even have a faerie dragon as a pet," Sebastian said, a faint smile tugging at his lips at the mention of his companion. "His name's Finn, and he has a charming habit of knocking things over just to watch me scramble to clean up. But I have no clue what did this at the border."

I swallowed hard, pushing away the gruesome images still lingering in my mind. I decided to seize the chance to lighten the mood.

"So, if you have this faerie dragon, how come I haven't met him yet?" I teased, arching a brow and keeping my voice casual.

Sebastian chuckled softly, the sound warm and genuine, easing the tension in the room.

"That's because he's usually passed out in my room, sleeping like he owns the place," he explained, rolling his eyes fondly. "At least until I walk in. Then it's instant chaos - he'll leap around, knock everything over, and demand attention. It's like he's been waiting for an audience all day."

His tone was affectionate, and I couldn't help but smile at the image of a mischievous little dragon causing mayhem.

"Well," I said with a grin, "I wouldn't mind a little distraction right now. Can I meet him?"

Sebastian blinked, surprised for a moment, before his grin widened.

"Of course," he said, his voice lightening. "If you're up for it, I'd love to introduce you to Finn. But fair warning - he's a handful."

I pushed myself up from the chair, my heart beating a little faster as I stepped closer to him. Falling into step beside him, I followed as he led the way out of the kitchen.

The hallway was quiet, our footsteps the only sound echoing softly off the stone walls. As we walked, Sebastian glanced at me briefly, his eyes lingering for a moment before returning to the path ahead.

"It's just a few turns from here," he murmured, his voice low.

We weaved through the winding corridors of the palace until we came to a halt in front of a heavy oak door. Sebastian paused, his hand hovering over the handle, as if bracing himself.

"Alright, one last warning," he said, his tone serious but laced with a hint of amusement.

I tilted my head, curious.

"Finn gets very excited when he meets someone new," Sebastian explained, his eyes meeting mine. "He's going to jump on you, and its...a lot. So, just be prepared."

I swallowed hard, mentally steeling myself. My mind raced through a flurry of thoughts - a baby faerie dragon. A cute, chaotic baby dragon. You've faced worse, Verena. This will be fine. Totally fine.

"Got it," I said, my voice steady despite the nerves building in my chest. "Bring on the chaos."

Sebastian gave me a quick grin before pushing the door open. Almost immediately, a high-pitched squeal of excitement pierced the air, and something small and vibrant laughed itself at us in a blur of motion.

I barely had time to process before a tiny, shimmering figure crashing into me. a little faerie dragon, his scales glistening in a mix of emerald green and gold with hints of copper, scrambled up my legs with surprising agility, his wings fluttering with excitement.

Before I could react, the creature perched on my shoulder, his bright amber eyes blinking at me with curious delight. His delicate wings shimmered in the dim light, the membranes a translucent gold edged with intricate veins of green. A soft crest of spiky, jewel-like scales ran down his neck, giving him a playful yet regal appearance.

I froze for a moment, utterly speechless as the tiny dragon adjusted its grip, his sharp but gentle talons pricking my skin. His expressive face tilted as he chirped at me, the sound like a mix of a bird's song and a cat's purr. Despite the initial shock, I found myself smiling, unable to resist the charm of the little creature.

"He's...adorable," I whispered, my hand tentatively reaching up to stroke his smooth scales. They felt cool and velvety under my fingertips, each one catching the light like a tiny gemstone.

Sebastian leaned against the doorframe, his expression soft and amused as he watched us. "Yeah, he's cute now," he said with a laugh. "But don't let that fool you. He's a menace. Always knocking things over, chewing on anything he can get his claws on, and stirring up chaos."

Finn - the name immediately popped into my head, remembering Sebastian's earlier mention - chirped again, this time nipping playfully at my ear with his tiny, sharp teeth. I winced but couldn't help laughing, the sound soft and delighted.

"Well, that seems fitting for a baby dragon," I said, my voice gentle as I stroked along his back, tracing the intricate pattern of his scales. Finn squeaked in response, arching his back and fluttering his wings like a cat leaning into a scratch.

Sebastian chuckled, his gaze affectionate as he watched the scene unfold. "He likes you," he said, his tone laced with amusement.

Finn pressed closer to my neck, his tail curling loosely around my arm as his right eyes shifted to Sebastian. With a happy chirp, he flapped his wings again, clearly announcing his approval of me. I couldn't help but grin.

"I guess I'm in his good books, then," I said teasingly, scratching under Finn's chin and earning another contented squeak. "Good thing, too. Considering he's going to be seeing a lot more of me."

Sebastian laughed, shaking his head. "He's already decided you're his new favorite person. Watch out - I think you've just been adopted."

I glanced at Finn, who was now preening his wings proudly, perched like a tiny guardian on my shoulder. My heart swelled with an unexpected warmth, and I found myself smiling even wider. "I think I can live with that."

Sebastian chuckled, giving Finn a mock-wounded look. "I see how it is," he said dryly, crossing his arms. "I feed you, take care of you, and just because a pretty girl shows up, suddenly I'm old news?"

Finn chirped defiantly, fluttering his iridescent wings as he nuzzled against my hand. I couldn't help but laugh, scratching gently behind his soft, jewel-like ears. "I think he has good taste," I teased, glancing at Sebastian with a grin.

Sebastian rolled his eyes dramatically, though the smile tugging at his lips betrayed his amusement. "So I'm replaced now, huh?" he said, shaking his head with exaggerated dismay. "You've stolen his heart, and here I thought I was his favorite."

I laughed again, reaching up to rub Finn's chin. The little dragon arched his neck into my touch, his soft chirps vibrating against my fingers. "Oh, don't act so wounded," I teased. "I'm sure you're still somewhat his favorite."

Sebastian raised an eyebrow, leaning casually against the doorframe. "'Somewhat favorite,' huh?" he echoed with mock indignation. "That's a new low for me. Bumped down the list by a single meeting."

Finn chirped again, his wings fluttered as though in agreement, and Sebastian sighed dramatically."Traitor," he muttered at the dragon, though his grin widened.

I glanced at Finn, who was now curling his tail loosely around my arm like a contended cat. My fingers continued stroking his scales absentmindedly as a though crossed my mind. "You know," I said, my tone half-joking, "I wonder if he can tell that we're mates."

Finn let out a gleeful squeal, pushing eagerly against my hand as if to confirm my suspicion. I blinked, caught off guard by his enthusiasm, but Sebastian didn't seem surprised. He was watching Finn thoughtfully, his smile softening.

"Well," Sebastian began, his voice quiet, "the bond between mates is strong, and dragons are naturally empathetic creatures. So it wouldn't surprise me if he can sense it."

Finn nuzzled against me again, his wings fluttering softly. My heart gave an unexpected flutter at Sebastian's words, and I looked up at him, my fingers still tracing Finn's intricate scales. "Really?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Sebastian nodded, his gaze meeting mine with a quiet intensity. "Dragons are attuned to energy. They pick up on emotions, bonds...relationships," he said, his voice soft. "So, yes, Finn can probably sense that you're my mate. And he likes you, which is a good sign."

Finn squeaked in agreement, rubbing against my hand with more enthusiasm. My heart skipped a beat, a mix of warmth and nervousness swirled in my chest. Sebastian's gaze lingered on me for a moment longer, his eyes softening, and I could've sworn there was something else there - something unspoken, something almost vulnerable.

"You think so?" I asked quietly, my voice barely audible over Finn's happy chirps.

"Most likely," Sebastian murmured, his eyes flickering down to the dragon for a moment before meeting mine again. For just a moment before meeting mine again. For just a second, something flickering in his gaze - something that looked like longing. But as quickly as it appeared, it vanished, replaced by his usual composed expression.

Finn, sensing a shift in the energy between Sebastian and me - or perhaps just realizing that he was no longer the center of attention - let out a piercing chirp. Suddenly, he leapt off my shoulders, his tiny wings flaring dramatically to make himself appear larger.

With an impressive hiss, Finn flapped his wings aggressively, his eyes fixed on Sebastian as though he were issuing a warning. Both Sebastian and I turned to stare at the baby dragon, our faces mirroring equal parts confusion and amusement.

"Finn," Sebastian said in a soothing tone, his brows furrowing. "Stop being a jealous little baby-"

Finn cut him off with another shriek, his wings flapping furiously. I bit back a laugh as Sebastian took a cautious step back, his expression betraying a rare flicker of unease.

"Finn," Sebastian tried again, his voice soft but firm. "Come on, buddy, there's no need for - ow!"

Before he could finish, Finn lunged at him, snapping his tiny fangs in Sebastian's direction. The look of betrayal on Sebastian's face was almost comical as he quickly yanked his hand away.

"Seriously?!" Sebastian exclaimed, glaring at the tiny dragon. "I'm the one who feeds you, you little brat! No need to bite!"

Finn responded with an even louder screech, flapping his wings like an irate toddler throwing a tantrum. When he lunged at Sebastian again, I had to press a hand over my mouth to stifle a laugh.

"Finn, that's enough," Sebastian said through gritted teeth, his voice filled with frustration. "You're just being - ow! Damn it, stop biting!"

The baby dragon was relentless, snapping at Sebastian with surprising speed and determination. Sebastian tried to dodge Finn's tiny but persistent jaws, his movements becoming more frantic.

"Finn, I mean it!" he growled, narrowly avoiding another lunge. "Stop trying to - ow, come on, you little menace!"

Finally, after one last half-hearted snap, Finn let out a disappointed chirp and sagged back onto my shoulders, his wings drooping. He nestled against my neck, as though to declare his allegiance once and for all.

"Aww, does poor baby Finn not want to share?" I teased, grinning as the tiny dragon nestled himself even closer to my neck.

Sebastian rubbed his thumb over the faint bite mark Finn had left, shaking his head in exasperation. "Ha, ha, very funny," he said dryly, though the amusement in his eyes betrayed him.

Finn chirped again, burying his face in my hair, almost pouting. I laughed, reaching up to scratch his ears again.

"Look at you, big baby," I teased. "You're going to have to get used to the fact that I'm not going anywhere anytime soon."

Sebastian chuckled, shaking his head. "Guess I'll have to get used to sharing you," he said, his voice tinged with playful resignation. "Come on, let's head to my room before Finn decides to start another rebellion."

Finn let out an indignant chirp at Sebastian's words, but I adjusted him carefully on my shoulder and nodded. "Lead the way," I said, falling into step beside Sebastian as we made our way through the room.

When we stepped into Sebastian's room, I was surprised by how different it was from the rest of the palace. The space felt warm, with stacks of books scattered across the floor, desk, and a small bookshelf near the bed. The dark green sheets on the bed were slightly rumpled, the curtains a deep blue that softened the light streaming through the windows. An armchair in the corner had a cozy-looking blanket draped over it, and a small collection of trinkets and keepsakes decorated a nearby shelf.

Finn chirped again, but this time, instead of staying on my shoulder, he gave an excited trill and launched himself into the air. His small wings flapped energetically as he flew across the room, landing squarely on Sebastian's bed. He sprawled out in the middle of the rumpled green sheets, curling his tiny tail around himself as if to claim the bed as his personal throne.

I couldn't help but laugh at the sight. "Well, that was quick. It seems he's already made himself at home."

Sebastian rolled his eyes but smiled fondly at Finn, who chirped once more and swished his tail lazily. "Of course he has," he said, his tone exasperated but affectionate. "That bed is basically his second kingdom. He spends more time on it than I do."

With a shake of his head, Sebastian walked over and sat on the edge of the bed, his movements calm and unhurried. He glanced at me, patting the space beside him with a welcoming smile.

"Come, sit. Get comfortable," he said, his tone warm and inviting.

I hesitated, my heart fluttering at the thought of sitting so close to him. Was it too soon to share such an intimate space with Sebastian? But the look in his eyes - gentle and patient - helped ease some of my nervousness. He wasn't rushing me; he was simply extending an invitation, letting me make the choice.

Swallowing my apprehension, I moved toward the bed and perched gingerly beside him. The mattress dipped slightly under my weight, and I became acutely aware of how close we were. Our knees brushed, and the heat of his presence seeped into me, sending my pulse racing.

Sebastian's eyes flicked toward me, lingering for a moment before looking down at his hands. The silence stretched between us, thick and loaded, making my stomach twist with nervous energy. I glanced at him, his profile lit softly by the glow of nearby lanterns, and I found myself captivated by the quiet intensity of his expression.

Desperate to break the tension, I spoke, my voice soft. "So...when you were at the border earlier," I began, searching his face for any sign of reaction. "Did you...feel anything? Like something strange? Uneasy?"

His gaze snapped back to mine, and for a moment, the weight of it made it hard to breathe. He seemed to consider my question carefully, his brow furrowing slightly as he processed his thoughts.

"Yeah," he admitted after a moment, his voice low and contemplative. "I felt it. Something...off. Restless. Like there was this emptiness I couldn't quite place."

A strange mix of relief and unease washed over me. It wasn't just me - he'd felt it too. "So, I wasn't imagining things?" I asked, my voice quieter now. "I wasn't the only one who felt...disconnected?"

Sebastian's lips pressed into a thin line as he nodded, his expression thoughtful. "No, you weren't the only one," he said quietly. "It was like...like a piece of me wasn't where it should've been."

His words struck a chord in me, the raw honesty of them making my chest tighten. Finn chirped softly, his head tilting as if sensing the shift in the room's energy.

Sebastian's voice dropped even lower, almost as though he were admitting something to himself. "I hated it," he murmured, the vulnerability in his tone catching me off guard.

I swallowed hard, my breath catching as his eyes found mine again The softness in his gaze sent a shiver down my spine, and suddenly, the space between us felt far too small, yet somehow not small enough.

"Have you..." I began hesitantly, my voice barely audible. "Have you felt like that every night?"

Sebastian swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing as he looked at me. His eyes, deep and vulnerable, remained locked on mine. He didn't answer immediately, the silence stretching between us before he gave a small nod.

"Yes," he murmured, his voice raw and quiet. "Every night you're not in sight."

His words struck me like a physical blow, making my heart plummet. Guilt swelled in my chest, heavy and suffocating. I hadn't realized the extent of his pain, hadn't understood what my decision to take things slow was costing him. The weight of it settled over me like a cold, unrelenting wave.

"Sebastian, I..." My voice wavered, soft and almost trembling. "I didn't know. I never wanted to hurt you..."

Before I could continue, his hand moved, warm and steady, covering mine. The touch sent a jolt through me, a shiver racing up my spine as his fingers gently intertwined with mine. His touch was firm yet comforting, grounding me in the moment.

"I know you didn't," he said softly, his voice carrying an aching sincerity. "I never wanted to pressure you. This has to be your choice - if we share a room, if we share anything at all. It has to be on your terms."

I looked down at our joined hands, his larger one enveloping mine completely. The warmth of his touch seeped into my skin, but it was his words that unraveled me. They were a reassurance, an offering of freedom despite his own torment. I swallowed hard, my throat tightening as guilt and affection warred within me.

"I didn't think you would," I admitted, my voice cracking slightly. "I just...didn't realize how much this was affecting you." My words felt inadequate, unable to express the remorse twisting in my chest.

Sebastian shook his head, a faint, weary smile tugging at his lips. "I hate staying away from you," he confessed, his voice low and filled with unspoken emotion. "Every night apart feels unbearable."

The raw vulnerability in his tone sent a pang through my chest. His fingers tightened around mine, as though anchoring himself to me.

"The distance..." He paused, his gaze falling to our hands. "It's awful, Verena. I can't sleep. And when I do, there are nightmares. I wake up wondering if you're alright, if you're safe...I feel like a part of me is missing."

His words hung in the air, filling the room with a heavy, bittersweet tension. My breath hitched, my heart pounding against my ribcage as I absorbed the depth of his pain. Knowing I had caused it, however unintentionally, was almost too much to bear.

"Alright," I whispered finally, my voice quiet but resolute. "I'll do it. I'll share a room with you...a bed, too."

The words felt surreal as they left my lips, but I meant them. The idea of easing his pain, of being close to him, felt like the right thing to do. A mixture of relief and nervousness bubbled in my chest as I waited for his response.

Sebastian's eyes snapped back to mine, wide and filled with disbelief. For a moment, he looked as though he hadn't heard me properly. Then, slowly, a soft, genuine smile spread across his face - a smile so full of gratitude and tenderness that it made my chest ache.

"Are you sure?" he asked, his voice quiet but hopeful.

I nodded, my cheeks flushing slightly as I replied, "I'm sure."