Elion guided Raelynn toward the edge of the lake, keeping a firm grip on her as they moved through the chilly water. She shivered slightly but managed to shoot him a small, reassuring smile. "I'm fine, really," she insisted, though her trembling legs betrayed her.
He shot her a look, clearly not amused. "Sure you are."
When they got to the shore, Raelynn dragged herself out, gripping the soggy flower like it was something precious. She looked like a drenched mess, but her eyes stayed locked on the flower as if nothing else mattered.
"Are you seriously dragging that thing around?"
Raelynn glanced down at the soggy flower in her hand and then back at him. "It's my flower," she said stubbornly.
Elion sighed, running a hand through his wet hair. "Raelynn," he said, his voice softer now, "just leave it. I'll get you another one later."
She blinked, uncertain. "But—"
