Esteria lingered in the warmth of El-Kharis' embrace, her heartbeat gradually slowing to match the steady rhythm of his. It had been too long since they'd shared a moment like this—too many restless nights, too many days filled with thoughts of him and the ache of his absence. Now that he was here, in her arms, she wished she could stop time, freeze this moment, and keep him close forever.
El-Kharis' hand rested lightly on the small of her back, his fingers tracing small circles over the fabric of her gown. He leaned forward, pressing another kiss to her forehead, a simple, tender gesture that sent a wave of warmth through her. His touch was always a comfort, grounding her in the present, reminding her that no matter what was happening outside these walls, they still had each other.
