On that night, when everyone has fallen into a deep slumber, I arrange to meet Enzo alone in my chamber. The snow has ceased to fall, but it has left a thick layer on the ground. We exchange a customary kiss. The night sky is abundant with stars, and the moon shines so brightly as if it radiates light on its own. I lean into his embrace, inhaling the gentle fragrance on his clothes. The Christmas night is utterly peaceful and sacred. Tonight, I want to pledge my love to the man I adore. I want the aging moon to testify to this love. I want to bask in the holiness of this divine night.

We turn to face each other, our warm and hurried breaths mingle and blend, forming a symphony. I hold his hand tightly, as if to draw some strength from him. My mind suddenly becomes hazy and euphoric. I can smell his body odour: a pungent aroma of masculinity and vigour. I try to control my quivering voice, but to no avail. I stutter, looking into his eyes:

"I want to...make a vow. I want to pledge myself to you."

"Me too..."

I can feel my heart leaping out of my chest. I have never gone this far. I also never thought I would give myself to someone before marriage. But our love has ripened, and I do not wish to delay any longer. I will tell my family next spring, when I turn twenty. I want my twenty to be a special year for me. That is when I will marry the one I love, build a small family with him, and grow old with him.

"Enzo...", I whisper his name.

"Heard you," Enzo answers, his face meeting mine. Both our breaths mix with the scent of lavender from the candle in the room.

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"You may remove my clothes."

His hands softly fall on my coat. In the dark night, with no light, there are only movements, collisions, but our hearts beat together and he has no difficulty removing my clothes. I breathe faster, with a chill running down my spine, making me fall onto his chest. Enzo gently holds me tight. The warmth in his body makes me feel safe. After a moment, he lets me go. Although I cannot see clearly, I believe his eyes are shining like the ocean. Softly, he tells me:

"You may remove mine, too."

I beam with happiness. Just like him, I rely on collisions and mental connections to undress him. One by one, I unbutton his shirt, not forgetting to touch the skin on his chest. I rise on tiptoes and plant a deep, passionate kiss on his lips. Under the bright moon outside, I utter a pledge:

"Enzo... You have my permission... to worship me tonight."

Enzo smiles. He reaches up to brush the strands of hair away from my face. His gentle and tender gestures cause my heart to melt and turn into foam. Softly, he says:

"Fiona... You have my permission... to own me tonight"

Above the sky, it is silent and infinite. Who knows if the galaxy has a limited lifespan for fleeting humans? Do the birds ever tire from flying in the night? Will that sea out there find its own shore? Do the mountains know that the old clouds have drifted far away? The old chimney no longer has fire at night. The daisy no longer blooms in a hurry. Where will our vows go, in the frigidity of fate?

From this day on, I have officially become his woman.