As we settled into the glade, Lunaria turned to me with a concerned expression. "Riven, can I ask you something?"
I nodded, feeling a sense of relaxation wash over me. It had been a long while since I'd had a chance to rest.
Lunaria's eyes locked onto mine, her gaze piercing. "Your eyes... they've changed. They're not the same color as before."
I sighed, feeling a mix of emotions. "Ah, yes. My eyes."
Lunaria's voice was gentle. "What happened, Riven? You're not telling us everything, are you?"
I took a deep breath, deciding to open up to them. "It's a long story, but... I made a pact with a being named Arin. He's a powerful entity from another realm."
Thane's eyes narrowed. "What kind of pact?"
I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "Arin helped me... see things from a different perspective. He showed me the world in a way I never thought possible."
Lunaria's eyes were filled with curiosity. "And the eye color change?"
I smiled wryly. "A side effect of our... arrangement. Arin's power is tied to mine now, and it's changed me in ways I'm still discovering."
Zarek's expression was thoughtful. "My lord, you're not alone in this. We're here to support you."
I nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude toward my companions. "Thank you, Zarek. I appreciate that."
As we rested in the glade, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. For the first time in a long while, I felt like I could finally relax.
But our rest was short-lived, as Eira's words echoed in my mind. We still had a task to complete, and the journey ahead would be fraught with danger.
As we settled into the glade, I turned to Lunaria, feeling a sense of comfort and familiarity. It had been a while since we'd had a chance to talk, just the two of us.
Lunaria's eyes sparkled with warmth as she leaned in close. "Riven, I've missed you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
I smiled, feeling my heart swell with affection. "I've missed you too, Lunaria. It's been a long time since we've had a chance to catch up."
We sat together in comfortable silence for a moment, enjoying each other's company. Then, Lunaria spoke up, her voice filled with curiosity.
"Riven, what's been going on with you? You've been so distant lately, and I can sense that something's bothering you."
I sighed, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. It was time to open up to Lunaria, to share my thoughts and feelings with her.
"I've been dealing with some things, Lunaria. Things that are hard to explain. But I promise you, I'll always do what's best for us, for our family."
Lunaria's eyes locked onto mine, her gaze filled with trust and understanding. "I know you will, Riven. I trust you."
As we sat together, enjoying each other's company, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. This was what I needed, what I craved – the comfort and love of my mate.
We sat together in comfortable silence, enjoying each other's company. The peaceful atmosphere of the glade wrapped around us, and I felt my worries slowly unravel. Lunaria's presence had a calming effect on me, and I was grateful for her love and support.
As we sat there, Lunaria leaned her head on my shoulder, and I wrapped my arm around her, holding her close. We watched the stars twinkling to life in the night sky, and I felt a deep sense of contentment.
Thane and Zarek, sensing our desire for alone time, discreetly stepped away, giving us space. Eira, too, nodded and vanished into the trees, leaving us to our moment.
Lunaria looked up at me, her eyes shining with love and adoration. "I'm glad we have this time together, Riven. I feel like we've been apart for so long."
I smiled, feeling my heart swell with emotion. "I know, my love. Me too. But we're together now, and that's all that matters."
We sat in silence for a while longer, enjoying each other's company, and the peacefulness of the glade.
As the night wore on, Lunaria's eyelids began to droop, and I gently guided her to lie down, wrapping my arms around her to keep her warm. We rested together, our hearts beating as one, and I felt a deep sense of connection to my mate.
Some time passed, and we rested, rejuvenating our bodies and minds.