Dayesh's party returned to Jauna's home.
They had traveled three days, taking wolf forms to conserve energy.
Upon arriving at Jauna's home, she immediately prepared food for them.
"How did your operation go?" she asked Dayesh casually.
Our enemies have been successfully eliminated. They are currently imprisoned and under investigation." That response was a complete lie, which Dayesh would later realize was excessive. He did not want Jauna to fear him, especially since he was only beginning to win her heart.
Yet the scent of blood lingering on his body, even after a few days, did not escape Jauna's senses. She remained silent.
"Our wedding will take place in one day," he said after a brief moment of quiet.
"I understand," she replied.
Dayesh sent his companions home first, leaving Jauna behind for the time being.
That evening, while Jauna finished her remaining tasks, Dayesh hugged her from behind.
She continued her work. She was not used to resisting such situations. It was not that she was a woman easily won over, but she was not physically strong. Whatever he did to her, she allowed, knowing the man holding her would not heed her protests.
Dayesh inhaled her scent, a fragrance that set his body ablaze. In his mind, he could wait, but in front of him was the opportunity he had been anticipating. He kissed her ear before transforming into a wolf, nuzzling her leg with his snout.
Jauna instinctively hugged the wolf. She had grown accustomed to hugging her cats when they were fluffy, even though it was Dayesh she was now embracing.
Dayesh rested his snout on her shoulder. When he finally let go, he entered his room, allowing himself to remain in wolf form until their wedding day.
Jauna instructed Faram that she would be away for a few days.
Their wedding was held in Caelumn. It was a very simple ceremony, almost like an ordinary day for them.
They went to Dayesh's home to formally introduce Jauna as his partner.
Jauna stayed in Caelumn for a week before returning to the human world.
"I will visit whenever I have free time," he said.
She simply nodded to her husband.
Through the portal, Jauna quickly arrived at her home. She rested briefly and looked around the house. She resumed mixing medicines to sell in the town and neighboring villages.
Faram was absent at that time. She felt slightly dizzy, thinking it might be because she came from another planet. She decided to sleep.
At night, she woke up and saw the darkness outside.
"Faram," she called the steward.
"You're awake. Eat first. You must be tired from your trip to Caelumn," he said.
"Thank you."
After eating, she still felt sleepy, so she excused herself and went to her room.
She slept soundly until Dayesh arrived in his wolf form. He transformed to open the door for his partner.
He realized he could no longer be apart from her. Even if it was night, he would visit, returning to his own home in the morning.
He watched her sleep, then lay beside her and hugged her.
Jauna felt him and opened her eyes, curious.
"I thought you only visited when you had free time," she said.
He pressed a kiss to her and admitted he could no longer be apart from her. She allowed it because they were now married.
Dayesh found her soft touch endearing. He silently wished for the three years to pass slowly, hoping that when the third year came, she would not choose to leave him.
"I love you, Jauna."
She often heard this from her husband but did not respond. In his mind, he whispered, "I hope your heart will fall for me one day."
They slept together, holding each other on the cold night, wrapped in a blanket to ease the chill.
The next morning, they woke early for breakfast.
Jauna felt dizzy again and ran to the sink to vomit.
Dayesh followed.
"Perhaps it is the result of our intimacy. Take care of yourself for us," he said, gently stroking her back. She rinsed her mouth, and he helped her to the table.
They did not speak much, only sharing feelings quietly.
"After three years, we can part ways, right?" she asked.
"That decision is yours. Whatever you wish, I will follow," he replied, secretly praying she would not choose to leave.
From that day, they saw each other daily. Dayesh worked half the day but returned to Jauna at night. He went back to Caelumn the following day.
Jauna slowly realized her husband was kind. He gave her his time and never made her feel neglected.
Some nights, they were intimate; other nights, Dayesh was content simply holding her. Some days, he brought food and gifts when he returned. They shared meals and occasionally joked, teased, and discussed their differing ideologies.
"Dayesh, how long is your life?" she asked.
"Up to two hundred years," he replied.
"If I choose not to leave, will you stay with me until time takes you?"
"For you, Jauna," he said, knowing he would outlive his wife. The thought made him sad; one day, she would be left alone. "The important thing is now. Do not think of the future yet."
Jauna relieved Dayesh's stress from his long day of work. Simply seeing her calmed his mind.
"I loved you from the moment I first saw you. Believe it or not, it is true," he said.
"Is it because of my beauty?"
Dayesh laughed softly. "Yes," he said, winking. Jauna lightly hit his arm. "Just kidding. Not because of that. From the moment I saw you, my entire being has been calm. I think of nothing but you."
"You are just leading the conversation away," she said.
He stroked her rounded stomach. "Child, even if your mother does not believe I love her, tell her we love her." He leaned to his wife and whispered, "You are the first and last woman I will love until my last breath."
"Do not say that lightly, Dayesh. I understand if one day I am no longer the one you love."
"Let me prove my intentions every day. I want you with me in Caelumn. My only concern is that you are used to life here in the human world. You help without being recognized."
"This is the only way I feel useful, even after leaving my home for hundreds of years."
"I respect your decision regarding that," he said.
In Ruforia, Kriyo appeared dejected as Orid entered his room.
"Kuya, eat now."
"Later, Orid."
"Hmmm. Do you still miss Ate Jauna?"
The young man nodded. "I want to see her."
"Just let it go. You know you cannot."
Not a day passed without Jauna in his thoughts. He wanted her, but it was no longer possible. He could only sigh at the thought that he could no longer appear freely, especially since Jauna was now Dayesh's wife. Recalling his judgment sent chills through him. He could not fight such a situation, especially against his own kin.
"Hopefully, one day, I can see her again."