~Present~
Tears streamed down Eleanor's face, glistening in the soft light. Ares leaned in, his gentle fingers tracing the curves of her cheeks, sweeping the tears away. A soft smile played on his lips, contradicting the sadness of his past.
As he pulled away, her hand instinctively clutched his wrist, her breath trembling. She guided his fingers back to her cheek and watched shock flicker in his eyes. However, he relaxed, pressing his fingers gently against her warm skin.
"I—" she began.
"Don't," he interrupted, his voice low, his eyes pleading. "Don't say anything, Little bird,"
Eleanor's eyes widened, her heart heavy with guilt as warmth radiated from his touch.
Edward, her great-grandfather, was the only family member she didn't have in her childhood. His death remained a mystery; no one had ever explained it to her, and she'd never thought to ask.
