BONUS - 1

AIDANA’s POV

Her gentle fingers draw each trestle back, tucking them behind my ear with adept precision.

I catch her eye in the mirror. She is so innocent, my little Hermione. She’s a gift I'm grateful for, who is almost always by my side. Almost. Perhaps her family miss her. She doesn't seem to care so much any more. Hermione has realised her life here - with me - is much better.

"Do you actually enjoy your hours in the temple?" Hermione asks, tightening the braid she created in the tips of her fingers.

I have priorities in the temple most mornings; especially today, being a Sunday on mortal ground. It's not something I'm particularly fond of. It's the Blackthorne Pack that gather together to sing to me on this day.

"Quite," I say smoothly, pinning down a wrinkle on my dress. "It's such an honour."

Hermione smiles down at me. A picture of innocence. A gift from my mate. He's so peculiar, doing these things for me. He so clearly wants my heart, but what separates us is more than sinis