Brigantiea took a deep breath and hugged Lucien back, burying her face in his broad chest. She listened to his heartbeat, felt his warmth, and reassured herself that he was alive.
All the pent-up emotions and tension she had been holding onto deflated like a balloon. She felt a profound sense of relief that he was safe and sound, her heart feeling like it had found its home, and she could breathe freely without the weight of worry.
"Lucien... Lucien..." she called his name softly, hoping he would answer and prove this wasn't a dream.
"Yes? I'm here, Brigantiea," he responded gently.
The moment he called her back, she knew it wasn't a dream and felt tears welling up. However, her attention shifted to Avalerry lying on the ground. A question surfaced in her mind, wondering if Avalerry had told Lucien about her past.
