165 Will You Take This?

RETH

The world around them, the people, the music, everything disappeared.

He'd never imagined—never even dreamed…

"Elia," he asked hoarsely, "Do you know what you do?"

As she nodded, he swallowed and swallowed, hope warring with fear, warring with pure joy.

"Aymora taught me. It's… I understand. I wanted to, Reth. I wanted to show you—and everyone else—what you mean to me."

His breath stopped. Just stopped. His heart pounded in his ears, and his fingers shook as he reached for the soft fabric in her hand, and wrapped it around his palm so his fingers were still free. Then he met her eyes and knew his own were glowing.

"Don't. Move," he rasped.

She blinked, but did as he said and stayed perfectly still.