[Trigger Warning: Content in this scene includes sensitive themes of abuse. Reader discretion is advised.]
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[Music recommendation: Soundscape to Ardor - tybw version is a cover made by AxelAvix.]
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Mates were a blessing from the universe, granted only to those fortunate enough to find one. Their bond was so powerful that even death could not keep them apart. But if someone tampered with it by forcing a mark onto one of the bonded pair, the connection would become corrupted, and the consequences would be fatal for them both.
That was exactly what Malakov had intended to do ever since he discovered that Hera was Gavriel's mate.
A devious plan centred on one thing alone… corrupting their sacred bond.
By doing so, he would rid himself of Gavriel once and for all without ever having to draw a blade against him.
After all, that was the silent lesson he had learned from their father's past mistake.
