A Few Hours Later
“A peaceful morning,” Arwen murmured, gazing at the first rays of sunlight piercing through the valley mist.
The air still carried the scent of iron and dew, but for the first time after that long night, the sky looked clear.
Zion stood behind her, wearing a simple black shirt, his hair still damp from the bath. He watched her in silence, as if he could never tire of confirming that she was truly there.
“Peaceful?” he said quietly. “Too early to call it safe.”
Arwen turned, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “Can’t you ever just enjoy the calm, Zion?”
“I do—if you’re beside me.”
His tone was soft but earnest beneath it.
Arwen lowered her gaze, pretending to study her palms. “You already know how I get when someone talks sweetly like that.”
Zion chuckled, stepping
