Confusion, surprise, relief, and joy went through Erin all at once as she found herself breathing out, “Alaric,”—a name she felt like she hadn’t spoken in years and thought would never get to call out again.
Upon confirming that he was recognized, Alaric was quick to let go of her and help her up, only to engulf her in an embrace before she could even get her own footing. “You do not know the lengths it took for me to find you,” he whispered into her neck, his eyes tightly shut as he pulled her as close as he could.
“How did you—w-what are you—” Erin couldn’t find the words to say as she pulled away to get a good look of his face, touching and looking at every inch of his head as if to make sure that it was really him in the dimly lit room. Her fingers were over by his left eyebrow whe
