din had, from the very beginning, resigned himself to a life of loneliness. he swore he would never find love, never find a companion, and never forced any sort of companion to be in danger just because they were associated with him. kass had ruined all of that – and he would never be able to repay her for bettering his life. everything he thought he would never have or experienced was contained in the form of kass. and, somehow, with the kiss that sealed their union forever, he had it all. his heart physically hurt with the pure joy he felt. “marriage or not, i was already yours forever,” he said softly, looking tenderly into her eyes. “i love you more than anything. and, i know if they were here, my parents would adore you,” he continued. din had never mentioned or spoke of his parents. those memories were far too painful to bring up. but, if kass were to have him forever, then she would have his pain as well – and he her’s.