The market square was busier than usual. Merchants hawked their wares, children darted between stalls, and townsfolk lingered, chatting and laughing. Yet amidst the mundane chaos, Elara felt the bond thrumming beneath her skin, insistent, alive, impossible to ignore.He was there before she fully reached the center, leaning casually against the fountain, eyes glittering with mischief and control. The crescent mark on her wrist pulsed faintly, a reminder that he could drive her to the edge ...