Isn't it just so pretty to think all along there was some invisible string tying you to me? She was the heart of the Inner Circle-sunlight wrapped in quiet strength, always steady, always kind. But not his. Never his. At least, that's what Azriel told himself the moment the bond snapped into place... and he said nothing. He watched from the shadows, loving her silently, convinced he was too broken to be chosen. She kept smiling, kept hoping, never knowing why the male who always showed up was the same one who always pulled away. A story of two hearts quietly breaking beside each other... until one day, they didn't. One single thread of gold tied me to you.