Salviana felt warm under the pouring rain.
It wasn't the kind of warmth that came from dry clothes or a blazing hearth—it was deeper, filling the hollow spaces within her.
He missed her too. His action said it.
Alaric growled low in his throat, a sound that sent a shiver racing down her spine, and tightened his hold on her, leaving no space between them.
He kissed her as though nothing else in the world mattered, as though he needed her to breathe.
Then their lips parted for air and he was back again suckling on each lip like he couldn't get enough. He was home and she was in his arms. His mind had been blank but now she filled it with her affection.
He ran his tongue over her lip and smiled into their kiss.
When they finally broke apart, Salviana's lips were swollen, her breaths coming in sharp gasps. Her eyes met his, and for the first time that night, the darkness in his gaze softened.
"I'm home," he rasped, his voice hoarse and filled with something unspoken but palpable.
Salviana's heart swelled, tears mixing with the rain on her face. "You're home," she whispered, her voice trembling with relief.
She clung to him, her fingers fisted in his tunic, as though afraid he might vanish.
But Alaric didn't let her go. He held her tightly, his forehead resting against hers, his breaths mingling with hers in the rain.
He pressed a kiss on her soft lip. A silly smile blooming on both their faces without knowing.
He kissed her cheeks simultaneously, her nose, forehead and when she thought he was done he dropped affectionate kisses on each one of her eyes. She sighed.
This was her first kiss. It was his too and they were happy they shared it with each other.
He hugged her, his nose in her hair and her arm around his waist.
In that moment, the storm around them ceased to matter. All that existed was them—two souls, reunited and whole.
Nothing else mattered.
Salviana broke the hug and looked up at him, her cheeks flushed from the cold. "Alaric," she whispered, her voice trembling.
"Fiery," Alaric breathed, his forehead pressing gently against hers. He held her waist, his fingers firm but comforting.
His sharp eyes scanned the surroundings, his expression darkening when he realized she was alone. "What are you doing outside? It's raining," he said, his voice low with concern.
"I missed you," Salviana let out meekly, her arms tightening around him.
"Come here." Without another word, Alaric scooped her into his arms as though she weighed nothing. In a flash, he used his vampiric speed to whisk her back to the safety of their chambers.
She clung to his broad chest, smiling faintly despite herself.
I missed this too, she thought, savoring the feeling of his strength and the rush of the wind as he carried her.
When they arrived at their chambers, the maids quickly averted their gazes, bowing in silence as Alaric strode past them.
He walked straight into the bathroom, his expression unyielding, and set Salviana down gently.
She didn't let go of him, her hands gripping his armor as her emotions spilled over. "What took you so long?" she asked, her voice breaking.
Her eyes welled with tears, and her chest ached from the turmoil of the past few days. "Everyone was back, and they were feasting without you, and I—I…" Her words faltered, her voice shaking as the overwhelming loneliness she'd felt in his absence threatened to consume her.
"But you waited," Alaric interrupted, his deep voice filling the space between them.
His warm breath brushed her face as he leaned closer, his tone firm yet tender.
She shivered, unsure if it was from his closeness or the lingering chill in her wet clothes.
"Where were you?" she whispered again, her voice a fragile plea.
Instead of answering, Alaric pressed a soft kiss to her nose, his lips lingering there for a moment.
Then, his tone shifted, his voice a low growl filled with both anger and worry. "Don't ever do that again," he warned.
Her brows furrowed. "Do what?"
"Endanger yourself for me," he said, turning her around with gentle but insistent hands. "Don't ever put yourself in harm's way like that again."
As he unzipped her gown, the wet fabric clung stubbornly to her skin.
The soft sound of the zipper sliding down was accompanied by a groan from Alaric as she shivered again, the cold seeping through her soaked clothing.
The dress fell to the floor in a heavy heap, revealing the thin inner garment beneath, which clung to her curves, leaving little to the imagination.
Alaric's gaze flickered, his jaw tightening as his eyes roamed over her, filled with a mix of concern, need, and restraint.
He exhaled sharply and turned his focus to his own attire. "Let me get this off," he muttered, his hands moving to the straps and buckles of his armor.
Salviana, seeing his struggle, stepped closer. "Let me help," she said softly, her hands brushing his as she began unfastening the intricate pieces.
She worked methodically, her fingers deftly undoing straps, unlatching clasps, and lifting the heavy armor from his frame.
Piece by piece, his battle-worn attire was removed, revealing the taut, scarred muscles beneath.
When the armor was finally off, she moved to his shirt, pulling it over his head, her fingers briefly skimming the cool skin of his chest. He watched her silently, his gaze dark and intent, his breathing shallow.
Her cheeks burned, but she continued, helping him out of his boots and trousers until he was left in nothing but his briefs.
Even then, her hands trembled slightly as she worked, feeling the weight of his gaze on her the entire time.
Finally, Alaric stepped out of the last piece of clothing. He reached for her, his hands moving to the straps of her inner dress.
With a gentle tug, it slipped from her shoulders and joined the pile on the floor.
Now completely bare before him, Salviana felt her cheeks heat again, but Alaric's expression wasn't just one of desire—it was reverence.
His eyes glimmered, the edges of his lips twitching into the faintest smile as he took her in.
He bent down, lifting her effortlessly into his arms once more. "Come on," he said, his voice softer now, laced with something unspoken.