Bright tenderly caressed Emma's arm and kissed her forehead as she slept deeply, completely drained and detached from everything else.
"I love you," he murmured softly.
"I…,"
With Bright's embrace, Emma felt safe and believed that nothing could harm her.
"…love…,"
She allowed herself to drift into a profound slumber in his embrace.
"… you, too…,"
Bright chuckled softly. "Then I love you more," he whispered, "my love for you must be a hundred times greater. I won't be defeated. I have to win at all costs."
Emma sighed. "Whatever you say..."
She barely registered Bright's whispered declaration as she quickly slipped into sleep, possibly even semi-conscious from the intense experiences she had recently endured.
*
Cole and Emma had been released from prison and declared innocent. This decision relieved many, especially those who believed in their sincerity and integrity.
