~Azaria~
As Alaric and I headed back, the quiet hum of the car felt like a soft lull in the storm, and I felt myself relax for the first time since the fight. But then I felt Alaric's gaze on me—intense, lingering—and through our bond, I sensed something deep, raw, and unshielded.
He reached for my hand, pulling me closer as his thumb brushed over my knuckles in a way that made my heart flutter. "Azaria," he said softly, his voice thick with emotion. "You don't know how proud I am of you… and how terrified I was today. Seeing you out there…" He paused, his voice trailing off.
I leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to his lips. "I'm right here," I murmured, feeling his hand tighten around mine. But it was as if that wasn't enough for him; his fingers slipped up to my face, his touch delicate as he pulled me closer, pressing his forehead against mine.
