Caijoonyung continued with what he was saying before, “I am going to take your silence as confirmation. Well, if that is what you are worried about, then allow me to put your fears to rest. Persephane from the moment I met you, I knew that you were someone truly special. As I got to know you better and the more time that we spent together it has truly been amazing. I thoroughly enjoyed every second that I spent with you. I couldn’t be any happier than I am right now just by having you by my side these past couple of months. Persephane, I can’t imagine what my life would be like without you in it. I honestly think that I would constantly feel like I am missing a piece of me. Let me make it perfectly clear so that you never have any doubts about how I feel towards you, my feelings for you are strong and true. Please know that I would never do anything that would hurt you or bring harm to you in any way. I hope that you know that and believe me when I say, Persephane, I love you. For me, it was love at first sight. I have had these feelings of love for you this entire time we’ve been together. That is why I have gone out of my way to ‘run into you’ or walk you back to your home even though it is in the completely opposite direction of my living quarters, especially knowing that you really don’t need an escort because you are more powerful than I am. And I make this promise to you, I plan to continue to love you for as long as you will allow it.” 

#  

I am still a bit nervous telling my deepest feelings for Persephane. I hope that what I told her conveys just how I truly feel and how much I love and treasure her. I do wish that I could have confessed my feelings for her earlier and under better circumstances, but I suppose that there is no time like the present. Well, hopefully, this clears things up and provides her with a sense of security. I mean after pouring my heart out to her, I know that Persephane understands how I feel and definitely will have no room for doubt in her mind. I want to have a future with this woman more than anything else in this world. It’s making me nervous that she is just sitting there and not saying anything. 

# 

Persephane just sat there in complete shock. She wasn’t expecting him to tell her all of that. She was even more shocked to hear that he had fallen in love with her at first sight. Realizing that Caijoonyung had felt this way for a long time made her feel a little bad since she didn’t feel that way until after spending time with the Commander. It felt like her brain could not process the words that came out of his mouth, much less believe that those words were meant for her. Once it sunk in that he meant every word he said, Persephane tried her best to hold back her tears. She had never felt anything like this before and could not contain just how happy hearing that made her feel. 

# 

I can’t believe that Caijoonyung says that he fell in love with me at first sight. I feel so incredibly happy right now that all of these tears just won’t stop falling. I always wanted to hear him tell me that he had feelings for me, but I never expected just how strong these feelings for me were. My heart feels so full that it might burst from all the joy that I’m feeling right now. I am so grateful that we feel the same way about each other and that he is willing to go so far for me. I never imagined that I could feel this complete from just a few choice words. My feelings for him have grown stronger and deeper than ever before now that I know how he truly feels. I love Caijoonyung so much. However, I do feel a little terrible that my feelings for him didn’t manifest until much later. I wonder if things would have happened differently if I also had fallen in love with him at first sight. Well, it doesn’t matter. I love him and he loves me, and we both want a future together. That’s what is most important right now. 

# 

“Persephane why are you crying? Did I say something wrong?” Caijoonyung asked worried. 

# 

Oh crap. Persephane is still crying. Was it something I said? Oh man, I hope not. I don’t like seeing her cry like this. Please tell me I didn’t screw things up already. Maybe she is crying because she’s happy. Yeah, that must be it. I’m sure of it. Alright, I’ll give her a bit and see what she says. 

# 

“No. You didn’t say anything wrong. I’m just so happy to hear that you feel the same way I do. It was always preying on the back of my mind for the longest time, and I didn’t know how to bring it up or how to ask about something like that. I was also scared of what your answer would be. That’s why I didn’t say anything to you until now. I'm sorry Caijoonyung. I’m sorry that it took something like this for me to finally tell you my true feelings. I’m also sorry that I wasn’t able to confess my feelings for you in the way I had wanted to and instead have to settle for this unromantic setting,” Persephane said as tears streamed down her face while sniffling in between her words. 

# 

Oh man, I must look like a mess right now. Mercy me, I have tears and snot just coming out all over the place. This is really unsightly. Thank goodness it’s dark right now, that way he shouldn’t be able to see just how horrid I look. If I keep crying like this, I am fairly sure that I’m going to have a major headache after this is all said and done. 

# 

“Persephane there’s nothing for you to be sorry about. I am sorry that I ever made you feel like this in the first place. I should have been more straightforward with you from the beginning and told you how I felt early on instead of dragging it out this far. But I’m glad that we both were able to clear the air and tell each other our honest feelings. I truly couldn’t be happier,” Caijoonyung said with a gentle smile on his face. 

# 

Man, Persephane looks so cute right now trying to hide her tear-stained face. I love that I’m able to see this side of her. I mean I love all sides of her, but this shy and bashful side is really cute. However, I don’t think she would appreciate me telling her how I find her cute right now or how even with her face covered in tears I still find her incredibly attractive. I think it’s best to keep that to myself. 

# 

“So Caijoonyung, now that we have cleared the air and have confessed our feelings for one another, where do we go from here? Will we start to date now? Are we going to become an official couple?” Persephane asked anxiously and impatiently. 

Grabbing both of her hands in his, Caijoonyung said, “Haha. I think we can start dating and as for being a couple, Persephane would you like to become my lover and partner? If you say yes, then I think from this moment forward we are officially a couple. What say you?” 

“I would love nothing more Caijoonyung. I feel so incredibly happy. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for us,” Persephane said. 

“Well, now that this matter is cleared, Persephane, I want to proceed with the imprinting process with you. I wanted to discuss this with you right after I learned about it from my meeting with the demigods since this is important to our futures. While heading home from that meeting this was one of the many thoughts that was going through my head that I wanted to imprint with you, but after some more thinking, I knew that it was too important for me to make this decision on my own. So, I decided that once I properly talked to you about it, I wanted to become the partner you need, if that was something you wished for. I was nervous about what your response would be, but despite all that, I sincerely hoped you would accept my offer to do this with you. However, with your family telling me not to talk to you about the meeting and then this happened, I wasn’t sure how to bring it up or if it was even the right time to bring it up, but the situation worked itself out in a roundabout sort of way. However, if you are still unsure about whether you should imprint with me or not, then let me say this; I pledge my life to you and only you, and if this will allow me to be your knight that will aid you with your destiny to save us from the Darkness, then I vow to always fight for you, alongside you, and to protect you to the very end even if it costs me my life.” 

“Caijoonyung.....” 

Bashfully rubbing the back of his head while blushing he added, “Also, if this will allow me to be closer to you and deepen our relationship so I can be a man worthy of you, then I want to be all of that. I love you Persephane. I can’t think of anyone else whom I would want to spend the rest of my life with and fight alongside too. I want our bond to last a lifetime and beyond.” 

# 

I feel a bit ridiculous acting shy suddenly. Hopefully, this didn’t sound lame. I think I sounded cool and chivalrous. Hopefully, this impressed Persephane enough to make her feel confident in me. 

# 

Wow, this is the most amazing thing I have heard someone say ever. Especially to me. How many more times is this man going to make my heart stop from just his words alone? Not sure if it’s even possible for me to fall deeper in love with him, but if he keeps this up, I’m sure I’ll find out. Who knew that Caijoonyung, the strongest, bravest, and smartest soldier we have here in the realm could spout such romantic sentiment? 

# 

Knowing that she no longer needs to worry about how Caijoonyung feels and more importantly that he wants to form a bond with her for the rest of their lives, filled up the deepest part of her heart that seemed lacking for a long time. It felt like her heart would burst from all the joy and happiness his confession brought her. Caijoonyung slowly reached out his hand to cup the right side of her face, caressing her cheek with his thumb. Her scales felt smooth and cool to the touch. He leaned into Persephane so that their foreheads were touching. Persephane reached up to put her right hand over his as he continued to caress her face. As she turned her face into his hand and nuzzled it, the residual tears that were gathered in the corners of her eyes fell down her cheeks to the ground. Caijoonyung raised her head so that they could look each other in the eyes.  

# 

Seeing how happy Persephane is right now makes me want to touch her. I don’t think she would be mad at me if I caressed her face. Incredible. The texture of her scales is smooth, and it feels cool to the touch. She smells wonderful. Hmm, my thumb is wet, it seems she still had some unshed tears in her eyes. I hope she doesn’t cry anymore. I don’t like seeing her cry. 

# 

Caijoonyung’s hands are big in comparison to mine, and they practically cover the entire side of my face. They feel amazing against my scales. His hands and his touch are so gentle that it feels like a soft warmth being pressed up against my cheek. This feels very soothing. With us standing this close and our foreheads touching each other, I can smell his scent. I don’t think I’ve ever really noticed it until now. Caijoonyung’s scent is musky but not overpowering and has some earthy undertones to it as well. 

# 

“Persephane why are you still crying? I didn’t realize my words had this much effect on you. I’m sorry for making you cry this much. I honestly didn’t mean to,” said Caijoonyung. 

Persephane chuckled softly and smiled while she shook her head, “I’m sorry for being such a crybaby. I am just so overjoyed that I am simply beside myself from hearing you tell me how you fell in love with me at first sight, that we feel the same way about each other, and that you want to bond with me. This all feels like a wonderful dream. I never want to lose you or be apart from you for as long as we live. I want to protect, defend, and fight by your side. I love you Caijoonyung.” 

# 

He laughed a hearty laugh as he pulled Persephane into his arms and held her tightly, not wanting to break their embrace. They held each other this way for several minutes. As they reluctantly pulled away, Caijoonyung immediately noticed that Persephane had changed back into her human form, making her shrink to a few inches shorter than him. As their eyes met, the passion they both had been holding back from each other welled up to the surface and burst forth like a dam breaking. Persephane quickly and fiercely wrapped her arms around Caijoonyung’s neck and pulled him down to her as he wrapped one arm around her waist and the other to support her back and neck then pulled her up to him making her slightly rise on her toes.  

They both kissed each other passionately, deeply, frantically, trying to devour one another; as if dying of thirst and trying to drink every drop. This only served to add fuel to their already ignited hunger for each other. Their tongues wrestled in each other’s mouths causing them to struggle to breathe, drowning in one another. They were both panting hard and trying to catch their breath, while both began to feel a strong sensation pool in their nether regions. Each moan that escaped from their mouths spoke of their urgency, that they wanted more, and that it was not enough.  

# 

“Cai...Caijoon...mmm...Caijoonyung wait. Wait. Haa haa. Let me catch my breath. Are you sure okay doing this with me? We can wait if you’re not ready,” Persephane said while breathing heavily. 

Caijoonyung breathing hard as well replied, “Persephane, I don’t think I can wait any longer. Kissing you is amazing, but if you don’t feel comfortable and want to stop here let me know and we will stop. I don’t want to do anything that is going to make you uncomfortable in any way.” 

“No. I want to keep going. I want to do more with you Caijoonyung. Plus, I don’t think I can wait any longer myself.” 

“Persephane, after hearing you say that I don’t think I will be able to be gentle like I planned. So, I’m going to apologize in advance, but I want you right now and can’t hold back any longer. I’m sorry love.”