The minutes continued to pass by as Halcyon waited. There had been no answer to his howl and thus far no one had come to greet him. His nerves started failing him as he felt his heart ache painfully. With a sad sigh, he slowly stood up and began to walk glumly down the mountain. Why would she want to see him? They didn’t even know each other and he hadn’t even bothered to stay behind when Fate determined the two were to be bonded for life. Suddenly, paw steps could be heard behind him and he cocked his ears back.

Her voice was like a healing salve. It instantly cured the pain in his heart and made him stop in his tracks. For a moment, he stood there, with his ears pinned back towards her as he stared down the mountainside. Then, ever so slowly, he turned around to face his imprint. It almost felt like the chains binding them had clamped down again, though not as hard as the first time their eyes had met. She was just as beautiful has he remembered, but a new feeling came to him. It wasn’t one that he thought he would experience. He had believed that he would fall instantly in love with her upon meeting her again, just like his parents had been. But that was not the case. Sure, he felt a strong connection to her, but it was not love. They were too young for love. No, Halcyon was not her lover but he was her guardian. Should she need him, he would be there for her. He would fight her battles for her, shield her from her enemies, assassinate those she deemed unworthy.

”Hello,” he replied. Then, at long last, she gave him her name. Bastille. It was both fierce and soft. A fitting name for his imprint. Coming to his senses, Halcyon bowed deeply and turned to the formal ways of his bloodline. ”Greetings, Lady Bastille. I am Halcyon. It is a pleasure to finally meet you at last.” He stood up and gazed at her. Then, he felt a loss of words wash over him. What did he do now? He had never imprinted before and didn’t know what to say beyond his introduction. The silences stretched on between them, making things… awkward.