The room was quiet, save for the faint sound of their breaths mingling in the dimly lit space. Esteria rested against El-Kharis's chest, her fingers lightly tracing the patterns of his cloak. She had missed this—the comfort of his presence, the way his arms felt like a shield against the weight of the world. Here, in his embrace, she could let down her guard and be herself.
El-Kharis shifted slightly, his hand brushing through her hair in soothing strokes. "You've been quiet," he said softly, his deep voice resonating through her. "What's on your mind, Esteria?"
She sighed, nestling closer to him. "Just… everything. The training at Tarius's Water Palace has been relentless. It's been stressful—more than I anticipated." Her voice was low, carrying the exhaustion she had been holding back. "I didn't think it would push me this far, but I've learned water now. I did it."
