The Alpha's Fated Outcast: Rise Of The Moonsinger by Ejiofor Dorcas

180 The proposal…

Lyla

Everyone on the Festival grounds parted like a wave, creating a path as Nathan approached me guiding the wooden platform that held the proposal. Around us, people murmured, pointing

excitedly at us.

My heart pounded in my chest as he drew closer. His usual confidence was replaced by an endearing nervousness that made him look younger and more vulnerable. He carried a bouque of night–blooming jasmine, the rarest of flowers you’d ever see in our world.

I can’t believe he remembered. Of course he had. We’d spent countless nights in the garden as teenagers, where I’d told him how the flowers reminded me of the sweet memories of my childhood.

Finally, the platform rolled to a stop and Nathan stepped off as he came to stand directly before me. The bouquet trembled slightly in his hands as he extended it toward me.

“For you.” he said, in a tone softer than I’d ever heard.

I accepted the flowers, burying my nose in it. He inhaled deeply, his gaze still holding mine. The he lowered himself onto one knee. Gasps rippled through the crowd, but my world had narrowed to just the two of us.

“Lyla,” he began, his voice was steady despite the nervous smile he flashed me. “I know we agreed to keep our relationship private, but I can’t contain my heart any longer. Every day, I wake up thinking of you. Every night, I dream of our future together and I can’t hold it in anymore. Not when every fibre of my being screams, you’re my mate.”

My knees weakened at the sincerity in his tone, so much so that I was trembling.

“I’ve dreamed of you every day…” he continued “… of what it would be like to wake up beside you to share my

life with you, to be the one you turn to in everything. I know it’s not perfect, but Lyla, I don’t want it any other way. You’re my heart, my soul, my everything.”

Tears welled in my eyes as my grip tightened on the bouquet.

“As my mate, you would never know a day without love, without protection, without absolute devotion, his voice grew stronger, more certain with each word. “I’ve seen your strength, your kindness, your fierce spirit. I’ve watched you overcome every challenge fate has thrown at you, and I fall more in love with you each time.”

He reached into his pocket, producing a small wooden box carved with the same ancient symbols as the proposal platform. “I promise you, Lyla, that I will never hurt you or break your Trust. I will never let you face your battles alone. I will cherish every moment we have together, whether in joy or hardship. So please…”

He flipped open the box to reveal a ring that sparkled like the Harvest Moon above us. Holding it towards me, his eyes locked on mine.

C

150 The proposal.

heart, as I give you mine. Be my

no words came. My emotions were all over the place – joy, disbelief, and overwhelming

wouldn’t marry him. It had taken him several assurances from both him and Clarissa in

seed of doubt had disappeared.

tears spilt freely down my

him.

then louder. “Yes, Nathan!

he cupped my face in his hands, his touch as gentle as a summer breeze. Our

in, and our lips met in a passionate kiss. The intensity of our kiss blurred the world. around us, conveying everything we felt. The crowd’s cheers and claps

was so wide it lit up his entire face. I smiled back, my cheeks were stained

I tried to keep up with congratulatory

then, amid all the joy, something tugged at me. A half–remembered moment from just before Nathan’s arrival. Ramsey–he had been about to say something. I turned toward

it was

hand around my waist. Immediately, I froze. I still haven’t gotten used

spoke, he nuzzled my neck, pressing tiny open–mouthed kisses. I tried not to squirm at the meaning of his words. In our world, an engagement is as good as getting married. And I know we will

thing, dear, I smiled woodenly, “I still need

doesn’t,” he stopped me halfway. “I already asked her

hard. I didn’t have any other excuse.

house.

the festival grounds, Nanny called out to

180 The proposal….

she was saving me and also feeling a wave of

Nymeris.

her?” she pleaded with Nathan, who didn’t look

house. Alone, I and Nanny looked at every other place except at each other. Finally, she

her throat.

about your engagement?” “If I wasn’t, I wouldn’t

I decided I was going

from her.

so sorry for

“I’m sorry…”

started speaking at the same time. Finally, our gazes met, and we burst into laughter. “You first, Nanny nudged