The stars still shimmered overhead, but the tension in the air had calmed, like even the cosmos understood this quiet moment. Riven lay beside her, one arm tucked beneath his head, the other draped protectively around her waist, not holding her down, but keeping her close. A silent promise. Mae rested in that silence for a while, heart still racing, not from fear, but from something more delicate.
Anticipation. Choice. Then, she sat up slowly, breath steady, eyes fixed ahead. Riven blinked, stirring beside her. “Mae?” She turned to look at him, lips parted, words caught just behind them. And then, she spoke, quiet, sure, real. “I do want to.” Riven sat up too, slowly, cautiously, like he didn’t want to scare the moment off. Mae met his eyes, her voice softer now. “I was afraid before, but
