862 Not alone (2) [Bonus chapter]

In his search for comfort, Damon hugged Talia and buried his face into her hair, taking deep breaths to fill his system with her sweet citrusy scent of freesia.

Talia hugged him in return and let him have that moment of peace, happy to know that she had that effect on him.

Talia realized that when Damon shared his concerns, Damon was talking in the first person, like he was alone, and it made her heart ache. Didn't he know how many people would gather around him?

Talia was ready to stand by his side no matter what enemy they were facing, and she was confident that at least a few others would do the same.

Damon was used to carrying his own burdens, and he couldn't see that he was not alone anymore. Talia understood him completely because she was the same. For such a long time, Talia was surviving on her own, and even though she enjoyed Damon's care and affection, it took her a long time to accept it as real.