272 Love in the snowy forest

Though surrounded by snow, Emily didn't feel cold; instead, she felt warmth in Raylen's presence. Her footsteps were quiet as she approached where he stood, while her heart pounded loudly in her chest. 

"Don't be scared. I am here to take care of everything and make sure you are safe," Raylen remarked, gently taking her hand in his to lead her towards the makeshift bedding on the forest floor. 

As Emily heard crunching sounds in their surroundings, her gaze shifted to the side. She noticed a thin, opaque barrier constructed from ice forming around them to give them privacy, even though there wasn't a single soul in sight apart from the two of them. 

"Better?" she heard him ask her, and her eyes shifted back to meet his captivating blue eyes, which she found herself drowning in. 

"Thank you…" Emily murmured, wondering if he was keeping an ear on the rhythmic thudding of her heart. "Thank you for—!"