We slipped away from the bonfire, leaving the crackling flames and laughter behind. Richard's hand brushed my back as he guided me to a quiet patch of grass. The stars overhead were cold and sharp, a thousand watchful eyes.
We sat close but not touching. He handed me a glass.
"To surviving," he said, voice low and ragged.
My fingers trembled as I lifted mine.
"To winning. I'm proud of you, Richard. Even after everything, you did it."
His eyes didn't leave mine.
"I wouldn’t have without you. I was ready to give up. You kept them from abandoning me. You kept me together. Even when I didn’t deserve it."
We drank in silence, words sticking in our throats.
I could feel the heat of him beside me. My wolf strained to close the space. I forced her down.
When I finally stood, he rose too,
