His eyes flashed black. The stagnant library air seemed to come to life around me, around us, as I stood there baring myself to him.
I didn’t have much to give, but I would start with myself. Even though it felt like a hollow comparison to what he had to offer me.
“Are you sure?” he asked.
I nodded. “Yes,” I breathed. “Please.”
He stepped forward but stayed far enough away to take in every inch of me. His eyes roved over my body appreciatively. He opened his mouth to say something. “I’m sure,” I added with finality.
Both sides of his lips tugged up.
He removed his swords from his back, undoing the straps around his chest. Then, he unstrapped his scabbard from his side and placed them carefully with his swords on the chair. The fact that he trusted me enough to remove his weapons enti
