Dravina POV
Malrik’s gaze held mine, steady and unflinching, as his thumb brushed lightly across my cheek. The touch was tender, reverent even, yet there was a gravity in it that made my chest ache.
“You worry too much, Dravina,” he murmured, his voice low and steady, coaxing me to breathe, to let go. His eyes didn’t falter, as though he were trying to reach the very core of me the part that was still haunted, still afraid. “You need to learn to trust.”
I swallowed against the lump in my throat, the words pressing hard and sharp.
“I know you’ve endured more than anyone should,” he continued, his tone softening with each syllable, “but this this isn’t the same. I am not Cassian, Dravina. I never was, and I never will be. I don’t want to be him.” His hand lingered against my skin, warm a
