The garden felt like a timeless sanctuary under the soft glow of the moon. The grass beneath my feet was plush, and the petals of every flower shimmered in shades of green and gold. The air seemed alive, humming faintly with the magic woven into every corner of the Spring Court. It was quiet - peaceful, even - with no whispers of tension, no reminders of what we'd endured. Just Sebastian and me.

I leaned back against the cool surface of the stone bench, letting it press into my shoulders as I stared at the stars above. They spilled across the sky like wild vines, their light delicate and fleeting. Beside me, Sebastian sat silently, the moonlight casting soft shadows across his face. He looked like he was lost in thought, the slight furrow of his brow telling me everything.

I reached out and brushed my fingers against his. "You didn't come out here much while I was gone, did you?" My voice was barely louder than the soft rustle of leaves.

His gaze snapped to mine, startled, before his fingers curled around mine instinctively. "No," he said quietly. "It didn't feel the same. The garden is beautiful, but without you...it was just a place. A hollow beauty."

His words struck something deep within me. Not sadness, but a strange sort of ache that came with knowing how deeply I'd affected him. I squeezed his hand gently, my voice soft. "I'm here now. No more hollow places."

It felt like the first time I truly had the chance to process everything. No more barriers, no more obstacles - just him and me. The thought sent a ripple of giddy warmth through me, and I couldn't stop the small, awkward smile tugging at my lips.

My fingers fidgeted with the edge of my shirt, twisting the fabric nervously as my mind raced. The past days had been so heavy, and now this overwhelming sense of relief and joy felt almost foreign, like my body didn't quite know what to do with it. I let out a quiet laugh, more at myself than anything else, shaking my head at my own awkwardness.

Sebastian turned his head slightly, his gaze catching mine. He didn't say anything at first, just watched me with that quiet, knowing look that always seemed to strip away my defenses. His brow arched slightly in curiosity, the faintest hint of amusement playing on his lips.

"What's funny?" he asked softly.

"Me," I admitted with a sheepish smile. "I don't know, I guess I just feel...giddy? Like, it finally hit me that we're here. Together. No more obstacles. And now I don't know how to act. I feel like some awkward, fidgety teenager."

His lips curved into a warm smile, and the sound of his quiet laugh made my heart flutter. He reached over, his fingers brushing mine in a way that sent a soft, electric thrill up my arm.

"You're allowed to feel that way," he said, his voice gentle, reassuring. "You've been through so much, Verena. It's okay to just...let yourself feel happy."

I blinked, a little surprised at how much his words settled me. And yet, that flutter of awkwardness lingered, the kind that came from realizing just how deeply I cared for him - how deeply I loved him.

"Does this help?" he asked suddenly, his tone low and inviting.

Before I could answer, he leaned in, closing the small space between us. His lips brushed against mine, soft and unhurried, like he wanted to savor every second. The kiss deepened slowly, dragging me into the warmth of him, the way he always managed to make me feel safe and cherished all at once.

Everything else - the garden, the air, the world itself - faded into the background, leaving just the two of us. The weight of the past melted away with each moment, replaced by the quiet thrill of knowing we could finally be together, without anything standing in the way.

The kiss deepened, each touch of his lips against mine stirring something electric and warm. My fingers found their way to the nape of his neck, threading into the soft strands of his hair as I could anchor myself there. He pulled me closer, his hand resting gently on my lower back, careful yet firm, as though he were afraid I might slip away.

In between kisses, his lips brushed against my ear, his breath warm and his voice low, intimate.

"You're everything to me," he murmured, the words sending a shiver down my spine. "I don't know how I managed without you."

I felt my chest tighten - not with pain, but with a flood of affection so deep it almost overwhelmed me. He rested his forehead against mine, our breaths mingling in the cool night air.

"I'll spend the rest of my life proving how much you mean to me," he promised, his voice breaking slightly, raw with sincerity.

I blinked back tears, my voice barely above a whisper as I answered, "You don't have to prove anything, Sebastian. You already have."

He kissed me again, slower this time, pouring all the emotions neither of us could quite put into words into the tender press of his lips. The garden seemed to glow even brighter around us, as though it too could feel the love and warmth we shared in that moment.

Without breaking the kiss, Sebastian slid his hands beneath me, effortlessly lifting me into his arms. A startled laugh bubbled out of me, and I couldn't help but giggle softly as he carried me. "Sebastian," I murmured against his shoulder, a mix of playful reproach and pure joy in my voice.

"Don't worry," he said, his tone low and reassuring. "It's just us here."

He carried me a few steps to a nearby gazebo, its arching frame adorned with delicate vines and blossoms glowing faintly under the moonlight. The soft fabric of a rug and scattered cushions awaited us beneath its shelter, inviting and serene. As he set me down gently, his blue eyes never left mine, their intensity making my heart race.

As Sebastian eased me down onto the soft cushions, I found myself lost in the endless blue of his eyes, their warmth and depth pulling me closer even as I lay still. The faint glow of the blossoms above cast a gentle light across his features, illuminating every detail of his expression - one of pure adoration.

A soft smile spread across my lips as the words slipped out, quiet but unwavering. "I love you."

For a moment, he didn't respond, his gaze softening further as though he were committing every part of this moment to memory. Then, leaning closer, his voice was a low whisper that carried the weight of a promise.

The distance between us disappeared as his lips met mine in a deep, lingering kiss. His hand cradled my cheek, the calloused warmth of his palm relaxing me further as my fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer. Every touch, every kiss spoke of unspoken devotion, as though the world beyond this moment didn't exist.

The kiss deepened, slow and purposeful, each movement drawing us closer together. His hand slid down to rest lightly on my waist, and I could feel the gentle rise and fall of his chest against mine, his heartbeat syncing with my own. Everything about this moment felt natural, as if time itself had carved it out for us.

His lips brushed against mine again, softer this time, before trailing down to the curve of my jaw and the delicate line of my neck. Every touch was reverent, as though he was afraid of breaking me, yet there was a restrained passion beneath it all, one that threatened to spill over with each passing second.

"Are you alright?" he murmured against my skin, his voice a mix of desire and concern, his hand moving lightly to caress my side.

A faint ache sparked beneath his touch, but it was fleeting and unimportant compared to the warmth spreading through me. "I'm more than alright," I whispered, my voice trembling slightly, though not from fear - only from the overwhelming emotion coursing through me. "But...only if you're sure."

His gaze locked onto mine, clear and steady, the faintest hint of a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "No one's going to see us," he teased, echoing my earlier thought. "And yes, I'm sure. But are you?"

The aches faded into the background as I kissed him again, letting the warmth of his lips and the press of his hand answer the question for me. He smiled against my lips before moving slowly, gently, as though savoring every moment.

The soft glow of the garden's enchanted blooms surrounded us, and I could feel the cool breeze of the night brushing against my skin as we shed the last barriers between us. A sharp twinge in my shoulder made me inhale sharply, but I stifled it with a breathless laugh, running my fingers through his hand. "Don't stop," I murmured.

Each touch, each kiss, spoke volumes - of love, of trust, and of the unbreakable bond we shared. It wasn't hurried or urgent, but deliberate and meaningful, a quiet exchange of every promise we had made to one another without needing to speak them aloud.

He kissed me again, deeply this time, the kind of kiss that didn't just speak - it screamed of love, devotion, and the lengths he'd go to protect me. I felt it in the way his lips lingered, how his hands trembled slightly against my waist as though he were restraining himself for my sake.

Despite his care, passion simmered beneath the surface, a wildfire carefully contained but no less powerful. Every caress was a promise, a vow that he was here, that he'd remain by my side through every trial and triumph.

His breath mingled with mine, each exhale a soft reminder of how intertwined we had become. The gentle glow of the flowers overhead cast a soft light, illuminating the vulnerability in his eyes - a mirror of my own.

"Tell me if it's too much," he murmured, his voice rough with restrained emotion, his forehead pressed lightly against mine.

"It's not," I whispered back, threading my fingers through his hair and pulling him closer. "I don't care if it aches. I just want you. All of you."

He kissed me again, and this time, it was like falling - free and unrestrained, with nothing to hold onto but him. My body protested in small ways, with faint twinges and tightness, but they were insignificant compared to the overwhelming wave of euphoria that came with each touch.

Sebastian's gentleness never faltered, as though each movement was a brushstroke on a canvas he refused to rush. Yet somehow, he still managed to set every nerve alight, filling me with a warmth so complete it made the pain feel distant, almost trivial.

Time seemed to blur, the world fading into a swirl of colors and sensations. It was just us - no courts, no past, no future - just this moment.

Sebastian's lips left mine, trailing soft kisses along my jaw, down the curve of my neck, each touch sending ripples of warmth and shivers through my body. His movements were unhurried, like he was memorizing every inch of me, reverent and intentional.

I tilted my head back instinctively, letting him explore. My fingers tangled in his hair, gripping softly, as though holding onto him could tether me to this moment - a moment where nothing else mattered. The aches in my body faded into nothingness, replaced by a rush of something far more profound: a pure, unrestrained bliss.

His lips lingered over my collarbone, as though he was pressing his devotion into my skin. It wasn't just physical - it felt deeper than that, like he was painting his love across me with every brush of his lips every gentle press of his fingertips.

I sighed his name, barely above a whisper, and he paused, his gaze flicking up to meet mine. His eyes were filled with something indescribable, a mixture of awe, adoration, and raw emotion that stole the breath from my lungs.

He kissed his way down my arm, trailing along scars and soft skin alike, making me feel cherished in a way that left me breathless. The euphoria swirling in my body grew with every touch, every lingering kiss, until it felt like I might burst from the intensity of it all.

The world seemed to have stilled around us, the only sound the soft rhythm of our breaths as they mingled in the cool night air. The stars above us glittered like a tapestry of diamonds, their light casting a soft glow over the gazebo and our entwined bodies.

Sebastian's arm draped across my waist, his fingers idly tracing patterns on my skin, as though he couldn't bear to stop touching me. His chest rose and fell steadily against my back.

Neither of us spoke, words unnecessary in the stillness. The weight of this moment, of everything we had shared, settled around us like a comforting embrace. I turned my head slightly, meeting his gaze. His eyes held that same intensity, but now softened with an overwhelming tenderness that made my heart ache in the best way.

He leaned forward, brushing his lips against my forehead, the gesture so simple yet so full of love it brought a lump to my throat.

"Are you okay?" he finally murmured, his voice low and thick with emotion.

I nodded, my fingers curling around his hand. "More than okay."

The corners of his lips tugged upward in a small, almost shy smile - one I had rarely seen but adored every time it appeared. He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, his touch lingering as if he was still grounding himself in the reality that I was there, that we were here together.

In that moment, there was nothing else - no worries, no fears, just us and the stillness of the night.

Sebastian let out a low chuckle, his voice still slightly breathless as he broke the silence. "You know," he began, his tone carrying that familiar teasing warmth, "I've survived the most grueling sparring sessions, taken hits that should've knocked me flat...but somehow, you've managed to leave me completely winded."

I laughed softly, resting my cheek against his chest as I felt his heartbeat begin to slow. "You're welcome," I quipped, glancing up at him with a mischievous smile. "I'm glad I could help."

He tilted his head, a playful grin tugging at his lips. "Oh, you've definitely helped," he said, pressing a kiss to my hair. "I'm pretty sure I'm going to sleep like a rock tonight."

"Well," I teased, shifting slightly to look up at him, "at least one of us gets to say they've accomplished something heroic today."

He laughed again, the sound rich and deep, vibrating against me. "You're the one who's heroic, Verena," he said, his voice softening as he cupped my face in his hand. "Just being here with you feels like I've conquered something I didn't even realize I was fighting."

My teasing smile faltered, replaced by something softer as my fingers traced idle patterns on his chest. "You always know the right thing to say," I murmured.

"It's easy when I'm telling the truth," he replied, pulling me closer.

I shifted closer to him, propping myself up slightly on my elbow so I could look at him directly. The moonlight caught his eyes, turning them into endless pools of blue that made my heart skip. "You know," I began, my tone quiet but earnest, "you've done more for me than I think you realize."

He raised an eyebrow, his expression soft but curious. "Oh?"

I nodded, glancing down at my hand resting on his chest. "You've helped me in so many ways. You didn't just teach me how to fight like a Spring faerie - you taught me how to be one. How to navigate a world so different from the Autumn Court. You've helped me understand patience, diplomacy, and trust in ways I never thought I could." My voice softened, almost breaking as I continued. "You helped me see that I'm more than just a soldier. And even when I doubted myself, you believed in me."

Sebastian's fingers brushed against my cheek, his touch gentle. "Verena, you've done all of that on your own," he said, his voice composed and sincere. "I can't take credit for the incredible woman you are. You're the one who decided to adapt, to grow. You're the one who took the initiative."

I shook my head, a small, stubborn smile playing on my lips. "You may not think you deserve credit, but you do. You motivated me. You supported me when I felt like I was breaking apart. And knowing you were there, believing in me, gave me the strength to keep going. So yes, Sebastian, you do deserve some credit."

For a moment, he just stared at me, his expression unreadable. Then, with a soft smile that made my chest ache in the best way, he cupped my face and whispered, "You've always had that strength, Verena. I just helped you see it."

After a moment of silence, Sebastian leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to my lips, lingering just long enough for my heart to flutter. When he pulled back, his gaze was tender and filled with something so raw, so overwhelming, that it took my breath away.

"I'm proud of you, Verena," he said softly, his voice like a soothing melody in the quiet night.

I swallowed hard, warmth blooming in my chest at his words. For a moment, I couldn't speak, couldn't do anything but hold his gaze, and let the weight of his words sink in.

"That means so much to me," I finally whispered, though it felt so small compared to the flood of gratitude surging through me.

His thumb brushed against my cheek, and he gave me that smile - the one that had always made me feel like I was the only thing in his world.

I leaned into his touch, savoring the moment and the man who had done so much for me, even if he didn't realize the depth of it.

Sebastian brushed a lock of hair away from my face, his fingers lingering against my cheek. "You ready to head inside?" he asked softly, a playful glint in his eyes. "We should probably get some rest soon. Though, if it helps, I promise there will be plenty of cuddling once we're back in the room."

A small laugh escaped me, and I nodded. "Cuddling sounds like a plan I can get behind."

He smiled, leaning in to press a quick kiss to my forehead before carefully reaching for my shirt and leggings. His movements were slow and entirely focused on making sure I wasn't in any discomfort as he helped me dress.

"You're ridiculously gentle," I murmured, my cheeks warming at the care he always took with me.

"I like to think of it as thorough," he teased, flashing me a grin that was nothing short of endearing. "Besides, you deserve it."

As he finished, he turned his attention to his own clothes, slipping his shirt on and straightening with ease. I couldn't help but admire the way his muscles moved beneath his skin, the effortless grace he carried in every motion. Even the simplest act of getting dressed seemed to radiate a quiet confidence that left me a little breathless.

"Enjoying the view?" he teased, catching my gaze with a smirk as he adjusted his collar.

I rolled my eyes, though the heat rising to my cheeks betrayed me.

He chuckled softly and stepped closer, slipping an arm around my waist. "Come on," he said, gently helping me to my feet. "Let's get you inside."

The warmth of his support steadied me as we started toward the palace. The quiet of the night wrapped around us like a blanket, and for the first time in what felt like forever, I didn't mind the silence. It felt like the world had shrunk down to just the two of us, and for now, that was all I needed.

As we walked slowly through the quiet palace halls, Sebastian glanced down at me, his expression soft and attentive. "Are you feeling well enough to eat in the kitchen, or would you rather I ask Maleia to bring dinner to our room?"

I tilted my head up at him, a mischievous smile tugging at my lips. "It might be best to eat in our room," I teased lightly. "Because after tonight, I'm not sure I'll be doing much more walking."

His brows lifted in mock surprise before he broke into a laugh, the sound warm and infectious. "That bad, huh?"

I nodded solemnly, though I couldn't keep the grin off my face. "You're exhausting, Sebastian."

"Well, that's fair, considering the kind of workout we just had," he teased, leaning down to brush his lips against my temple.

I swatted lightly at his chest, laughing despite myself. "You're ridiculous."

"And yet you love me for it," he said smoothly, his grin softening into something more genuine.

I leaned into him as we continued down the hall. "Yeah, I do," I murmured, the depth of the words settling comfortably between us.

His arm tightened around my waist as he pressed another kiss to my hair. "Let's head back, then. I'll let Maleia know to bring us something delicious."

With that, we turned toward the direction of our room, the comfort of our shared moments easing every ache and worry as we moved through the palace together.

As we entered the room, Finn's head popped up from where he'd been curled up on the plush armchair near the window. His big blue eyes widened, and in an instant, he leaped to the floor with a gleeful chirp, darting toward us with his little wings fluttering excitedly.

I laughed as the tiny dragon scampered up to me, his excitement palpable. He climbed onto my lap the moment I sat down on the bed, nuzzling against my hand with a delighted trill.

"Alright, alright," I said, scratching under his chin. "I haven't been gone that long, you little rascal."

Sebastian chuckled, leaning down to press a quick kiss to my lips. "I think he's just thrilled you're staying in one spot for a while," he teased, his hand brushing against my arm.

I smiled up at him, feeling the warmth of his touch linger even as he straightened. "He's not the only one," I teased back, earning a soft smirk from him.

"I'll go let Maleia know to bring dinner up," he said, gesturing toward the door. "Don't let Finn con you into giving him any more chocolate while I'm gone."

I laughed, glancing down at the little dragon, whose innocent chirp was far from convincing. "No promises," I teased.

Sebastian shook his head, though the grin on his face softened the gesture. "You're both trouble," he said, his tone light as he headed out the door.

Once the door closed behind him, Finn trilled softly and settled against my neck, his tiny body warm and comforting. "You heard him, Finn," I murmured, scratching his head. "No chocolate - at least not while he's watching."

Finn let out a pleased chirp, his wings fluttering slightly in contentment as he snuggled closer, seemingly satisfied for now.

After a short while, the door creaked open, and Sebastian stepped back into the room carrying two trays brimming with food. The rich aroma of freshly baked bread, roasted vegetables, and tender meat filled the air, making my stomach rumble.

Finn perked up immediately, his nose twitching as he caught the scent. He chirped with excitement and scurried down to the floor, darting toward Sebastian with his wings fluttering.

"Hold on, Finn," Sebastian said with a laugh, stepping carefully around the eager dragon. "This isn't for you."

I grinned, scooting over to make room on the bed. "I appreciate all this, you know."

"After everything, you've earned it," he replied warmly, setting the trays down on the bed before sitting beside me. He handed me one of the trays, his fingers brushing against mine briefly as he did.

He gave me a smile, one that held a depth of warmth I couldn't quite describe, leaning in to press a gentle kiss to my forehead before focusing on his own meal.

Finn let out a pleading trill, sitting by my feet and staring up at the trays with wide, hopeful eyes.

"No, Finn," Sebastian said firmly, though his tone carried a hint of amusement. "This is for us. You've had enough snacks today."

I laughed, breaking off a small piece of bread and holding it out to Finn. "Just a little," I whispered conspiratorially.

Sebastian raised an eyebrow, but the soft smirk tugging at his lips gave him away. "You're going to spoil him rotten," he teased, shaking his head.

"Maybe," I replied, smiling as Finn happily nibbled on the morsel before retreating to curl up at the foot of the bed, apparently content with his small victory.

Sebastian chuckled, turning his attention back to his food. For a while, we ate in companionable silence, the warmth of the moment wrapping around us like a comforting embrace.