After breaking apart from the kiss, Iyana gently cradled Vyan's face in her hands, her fingertips brushing lightly across his skin, as if she was afraid he would slip away.
"Just promise me one thing..." Her voice was a whisper, laced with a vulnerability, and she only allowed herself to show it alone or in front of Vyan.
"Yes?" Vyan waited patiently for her words as if they held the power to both break him and piece him back together.
"You will take care of yourself…" Her eyes brimmed with unshed tears. "Don't ever throw yourself into danger's way, okay?"
She held his gaze, her thumb gently caressing his cheek. "I am with you. You have my support for everything. So, ask for help anytime. Whatever you want to do… even if you want to burn this entire empire to the ground," her lips curled into a soft, almost teasing smile, and he matched it, "tell me. I will be your partner. I will pave the way for you. Just..."
