Northstar Vale Happens sweet

Her emotions surfaced without much prompting, and Yuudai was confused. He contemplated taking a step back, but he could see she was shattered, and it nearly drove him to the ground. With everything that had fallen between them over the last few months, he had never thought a moment like this would ever happen again. Instead he remained still, freezing in position, and listening patiently to her words.

"It's okay to be scared Reiko. But a fight is going to happen either way." He could see the displeasure rippling through the pack. The discontent was like an infection, spreading from person to person. "He may hurt me. But that is my risk to take, love." His lavender gaze melted, softening as he spoke and tried to reassure her. "It's my duty to protect you, but it's your duty to do what's best for the pack." His words may have been harsh, but his tone was saddened yet burdened with an inevitability. This was her role. She was the Empress.