*Briella*
The forest around us hushed as if it held its breath, waiting for my next words. Kryzen's gaze, intense and expectant, pierced through the veil of uncertainty that had shrouded my heart. His hand, calloused from years of wielding swords and bowstrings, held mine with a gentleness that belied his warrior's strength.
"Say it again," he whispered, the rough timbre of his voice softening like the evening light filtering through the leaves.
I could feel the weight of the moment, heavy and sweet, resting on the tip of my tongue. "I love you, Kryzen Stormfall, only you." The words cascaded between us, simple yet profound, like a sacred vow spoken into the silence of the ancient woods.
For a moment, he stood frozen, the statuesque lines of his body taut with surprise. Then, as if the
