That night, Ariel asked something he'd been considering for years.
"Glad. We've been together for over a decade. Fought battles, built communities, watched generations grow. But we've never talked about... forever."
"Forever?"
"We're creatures. We don't age like humans. We could have centuries together. Do you want that?"
Glad took his hand. "I've lived 180 years. Most of them alone. The only centuries I want are with you."
"Then let's make it official. Again. Forever official."
"We're already married."
"I mean—" He pulled out a small box. "Eternal bonding. Creature ritual. Binds us for as long as we both exist. No take-backs."
Glad's eyes filled with tears. "Yes. Absolutely yes."
They performed the ritual that night—ancient words, immortal witnesses, love binding them for eternity.
The Watcher and Gahom watched.
Anino's statue stood sentinel.
And somewhere, forever began.