⟢ 𝐏𝐘𝐑𝐎𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐒, twilight ✓

✧. ┊ 𝟢𝟥𝟫

┊┊┊✧ ⁺ ⁺ 　°
𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐑𝐓𝐘-𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐄
|| not a goodbye ||

✦

LATER THAT DAY, it was time for everyone to leave and go home. Arlina and Bree stood with Benjamin and Tia, feeling emotional. Arlina had grown close with Benjamin, having found common interests since they shared similar gifts.

"We shall visit each other, this is not goodbye. I'm sure we will be best friends, Arlina." Benjamin stepped forward, wrapping his arms around the blonde's shoulders, and she placed her hands on his back, pulling him closer. She was going to miss her newfound friend.

They pulled away and Arlina gave a quick hug to Tia, kissing the girl on her cheek softly as she pulled back, "You are lovely, Arlina." Tia nodded and smiled sweetly at the Cullen and Arlina laughed lightly, feeling appreciated.

"Demetri, I shall speak with Amun and we will sort this out." Benjamin smiled at Demetri before he took his leave, making the leaves whistle on his exit and Tia followed close behind.

Demetri laughed with Felix, finding success, "Arlina. I need to speak with you." Alec spoke up from beside Arlina and she nodded, looking up at him. His tone was more serious and sensitive, so she understood immediately.

The two sped off into the woods, and smiled at the sight of their new cabin they had built together in just a day. It wasn't furnished, but it was ready to be.

Alec climbed up the ladder, and sat on the balcony floor, leaving space for his mate to sit beside him.

"You know I love you more than the moon and back, yes?" Alec glanced at his soon-to-be fiancée, who had just sat down and she furrowed her brows, nodding in confusion.

"Of course?" Arlina tilted her head slightly, and he looked forward towards the ground, sighing tiredly.

"I need to tell you something, but you may be upset or even frustrated with me about it." Alec dragged on and Arlina fiddled with her hands in her lap, getting anxious from how he was prolonging it.

"You want to go back to Italy... and make amends with Aro?" She looked at him, a calm expression present on her face, and Alec turned to her, nodding slowly.

"I apologise, my love, I'm aware I said I'd stay, but I can't leave my sister alone under their rule." Alec rushed out and Arlina reached over, grabbing one of his hands in one of her warm ones.

"No, you don't have to explain, Alec. I understand completely, go do whatever you have to do, I'll be here." She moved forward, kissing him softly on his cheek and he grinned wide. He already expected her to understand, it was unlike Arlina to be mad — unless someone was hurting her loved ones.

"I love you, Arlina Cullen. You always seem to amaze me. You're so incredibly heavenly, you are so powerful, and strong, and special." Alec placed his hand on her cheek, planting his lips on hers, and she smiled into the kiss.

"I love you." Arlina responded when they pulled away for a moment. After a minute or two, Arlina felt a small cold piece of metal in her hand, and she pulled away quickly, looking down to see an ethereally beautiful white-gold ring. The band was thin, but the white-diamond gem was prepossessing. There were small diamonds outlining the main gem, and it shined in the sun, much like them.

"Having you by my side is what completes me, you are the one I've been waiting for my whole life... and I did say I'd marry you, I'd never lie to you, my love. So, will you make me the happiest man alive and do me the honor of becoming my gorgeous wife?" Alec smiled wider than he had ever done before, and Arlina laughed, dry tears fighting to spill as she nodded. He took the ring from her hand gently, chuckling with so much joy as he placed the ring on her warm finger.

They immediately hugged and Arlina pulled back, kissing him passionately. Her hand moved up the back of his neck, tugging on the ends of his dark, soft hair, and he moaned quietly through the kiss, causing her to smile.

His hands trailed up her thighs and up to her shirt, which he stuck his hands under, caressing her breasts through her bra. She also moaned in his embrace, enjoying his touch since it would be the last time for a while.

They spent the rest of the night together, in the unfurnished cabin that they'd built together. Together. Together they are for as long as they're alive, and even in death, they'll still be together.