The aftermath of the battle left a tense quiet hanging in the air. The forest that had once felt like a sanctuary now seemed suffocating, as if the trees themselves were holding their breath, waiting for the next attack. I stepped out of Kieran’s embrace reluctantly, feeling the weight of the moment between us, but knowing there was no time for distractions.
“Aylin,” Kieran said softly, his hand brushing my arm. “You’re pushing yourself too hard.”
“I had to,” I replied, my voice steadier than I felt. “We had no choice.”
His eyes searched mine, and I saw the concern there, but also something more—something that tugged at the bond between us. I wanted to fall into him, to lose myself in the feeling of safety he provided. But the truth still hung heavy between us.
Kieran could feel the ma
