Vyan's response was a soft, boyish smile that seemed to say everything. "What did I do to deserve you?" he murmured, his voice warm.
Iyana's own smile bloomed, her eyes gleaming with such affection that Vyan felt a sudden rush of emotion, like a wave of warmth swelling within him. To be loved like this—it felt almost unreal. Maybe he hadn't had the kind of love from everyone he wished for, but he had an overwhelming amount of love in his life, and it was enough.
His Tia's love, self-interested as it might be, was just a small piece in a much larger, brighter mosaic. Maybe he should forgive her genuinely at this point.
"Let's get out of here," Iyana whispered as the court began to empty.
He nodded, following her to her office. The moment the door closed behind them, Iyana turned, and without a word, wrapped her arms around him, pressing her face into his chest. She held him tightly, as if grounding herself in the reality that he was safe and finally free.
