The night wind tousled Madeline's hair, and though the garden appeared wilted, the sweet fragrance of the flowers still reached her, settling warmly in her stomach. Even amidst the chaotic swarm of thoughts in her mind, the calming scent of nature helped soothe her.
Facing the truth was undoubtedly painful, yet hearing about the years of suffering that Draven had endured shattered her. Seeing the pain reflected in his eyes and his yearning for love, she knew it would be cruel to harbor any distance towards him.
His anguish, stemming from love, left her utterly distraught. All she wanted was to embrace him, cradle his head against her neck, and gently comfort him until he drifted off to sleep, disregarding her own pain and hurt. However, she hesitated, not ready to offer such solace just yet.
