Astra's previous reincarnation had hurt Nico beyond repair, and she did not think she could ever forgive herself for that. All of those feelings of unworthiness, of wondering why she was always alone - it all made sense now. If that was the harm she had done in her past life, it was no wonder she was paying for it in this one.
She wished nothing more than to simply disappear. Loneliness was the one thing that hurt her the most and she could not help but wonder if that was indeed her fate, after all. The necklace that Mel gave her sat against her throat, brimming with an ancient power she now knew belonged to her guardian. Surprise filtered into her expression as Nico spoke of it, realizing that he knew the true source... and the memories that flowed from it. "I--", Astra began to say, her gaze finally lifting to meet his as he approached, but she was rendered speechless by the silver that bled into his eyes, indicating the presence of Androkles.
And then she was PULLED in, magic weaving around her, soul laid bare, a bond forging between them - the tendrils still delicate but strong. Brown eyes fluttered shut as the feelings overwhelmed her, the love that Nico had for her consumed her in a tidal wive, causing her to gasp, fighting the urge to take a few steps back and battling against the sheer unworthiness she felt. Her eyes opened just as he spoke, brimming with tears. Every word hit her heart and struck home, causing a lump of emotion to form in her throat, cheeks tinging pink. "Nico --"
She was drowning in him, drowning in how wrong she had gotten this situation. I have always been, and always will be yours. Understanding filled her expression as she took a moment to register the weight of what he had revealed, the feel of his warm lips against her forehead.
Astra went right into his arms, wrapping her own around his frame and burying her face against his chest, caving into her desires, breaking the spell of self-inflicted pain and isolation. She soaked in his warmth, eyes screwed shut, as she gave in completely to the man she first fell in love with across the words of an ancient book. "I love you," she whispered aloud for the first time, allowing herself to finally say it.
"Please don't leave me alone," the whisper was quieter, more desperate, Astra clinging onto his form because truly, it was the last thing she wanted ever. She loved this man with every fibre of her being, to the point where she was willing to break a mate bond and isolate herself forever if it meant she did not hurt him. However, with Nico speaking the words he did, she was completely incapable of rejecting him.
No part of her wanted to. Even if tomorrow was not promised, she wanted Nico by her side, she wanted her family by her side. Her heart called out for it and yet, she had deprived herself of it out of fear and feelings of unworthiness. "Before we even met in this lifetime, all my heart wanted was to be yours. I'm just -- I'm so sorry I hurt you. I was the cause of yours and Androkles' pain and I thought I was protecting you by removing myself. There is no lifetime, no version of me in existence that would ever want you to leave. You have all my heart and soul."
Her head lifted from his chest to meet his gaze, the blush travelling down her neck, disappearing into her dress as she laid herself bare for him to see. And in those eyes he could see her love in all its glory... but also the unfiltered need and desire that burned in them. She had so many more questions and usually, would fire them off, but right now, she believed questions could wait. "Did you really have to tease me about falling for a fictional viking..."