Lady Ashford approached him, her eyes filled with a newfound respect and something else—desire that was unmistakable even amidst the chaos of the aftermath. "You've proven yourself a true hero," she said, her voice low and filled with emotion. "Your power is unlike anything I've ever seen."
"I had good teachers," Theo replied, his chest heaving with the exertion of the battle. His gaze flicked to Ely, who had fought by his side with a ferocity that had surprised even him. Her eyes met his, a silent conversation passing between them that spoke of shared experiences and the unspoken bond they had formed over the past year.
"I finally understand," Lady Ashford murmured, her eyes never leaving Ely as she clapped her hands together in a slow, deliberate gesture. "You truly are one of the legendary heavenly knights."
