His eyebrows rise. "That was easier than I expected."
"Don't get used to it."
"I wouldn't dream of it." But he's smiling as he guides me toward the stairs. "Thea will arrive at three to help you dress. I've laid out your grandmother's formal robes, but you may choose something else if you prefer."
Not a chance in hell I’m wearing my grandmother’s clothing. "You've thought of everything," I say.
"That is rather the point."
I pause on the first step, looking back at him. He's already returned to his checklist, moving through the kitchen with the quiet efficiency of someone who knows exactly what needs to be done and how to do it.
For two centuries, he was a weapon. A tool. Something to be used and maintained.
Now he's planning a dinner party with the same precision he once brought to warfare, and he looks happier than I've ever seen him.
"Thank you. For all of this."
"You're welcome." Simple. Sincere. "Now go rest. You'll need your energy for tonight."
I climb the stairs and try not to think about midnight.
Thea arrives at three with a bag of cosmetics and more enthusiasm than anyone should have about formal events.
"I can't believe you're actually hosting," she says, steering me toward a chair and attacking my hair with a brush. "Your grandmother's Midwinter Feast was legendary, but I never thought I'd see one happen again. And now you're continuing the tradition!"
"I'm trying not to think of it as continuing her tradition. More like... starting my own."
"Even better." She begins twisting my hair into something elaborate. "Ash is downstairs helping Cadeon with the final setup. They're getting along surprisingly well."
"Surprisingly?"
"Cadeon doesn't usually get along with anyone. But Ash said they spent twenty minutes discussing optimal candle placement and both seemed to enjoy it immensely."
I laugh despite my nerves. "That sounds about right."
"He's different, you know. Cadeon." Thea meets my eyes in the mirror. "I've seen him at gatherings for years. He was always so... empty. Like he was there but not really present. Now he's actually engaged. Talking to people. Smiling, even."
"He smiles more now."
"Because of you." She pins a section of hair in place. "Everyone can see it. The way he looks at you. The way the bond feels between you. It's beautiful, Iris."
"It's terrifying," I admit. "Tonight it either transforms or breaks. And I don't know if I'm ready."
Thea pauses her work. "Ready for what?"
"For whatever I'm supposed to do. The texts talk about surrendering control, about mutual vulnerability. He's already there. He knows what he wants, he's made his choice. But I..." I trail off, not sure how to articulate the tightness in my chest.
"But you're used to being the strong one," Thea says gently. "The caretaker. The one who holds it all together."
"Yes."
"And tonight you might have to let him hold you instead."
I hadn't thought of it that way, but hearing her say it makes something click into place. "That shouldn't be hard. I love him. I trust him."
"Loving and trusting aren't the same as surrendering." Thea returns to my hair, her fingers gentle. "Take it from someone who struggled with the same thing. When Ash and I transformed our bond, I had to admit that I needed him. Not just wanted him around, not just appreciated his help. Actually needed him. It felt like peeling off my skin."
"Did it work?"
