>>Aelin
Draegon's expression softened at my question. Not with pity though but with a steady sort of warmth. Like embers that had been quietly glowing this whole time, now gently fanning into flame.
He reached for my hand, his touch light, deliberate. His voice was quieter than before, as if he didn't want to break the moment. "Aelin," he said, "nothing in my heart or mind has changed because of that."
!!!
The words settled over me like a balm I hadn't known I needed.
A soft breeze floated in from the open window behind us, rustling the curtains, lifting the strands of hair that had fallen around my face. I didn't move, only looked at him, like he was the only man in the world. His face bathed in morning light, his jewel purple eyes catching the sun, like something out of a dream I never thought I deserved.
Our gazes held. No pressure. No force. Just something shared in silence.
