Damien kissed her slowly, thoroughly, tasting the salt of her earlier tears and the sweetness that was purely Elara. His hands mapped familiar territory – the curve of her waist, the softness of her skin, every place that made her breath catch.
This was reaffirmation. Recommitment. Proof that what they had wasn't diminished by changed circumstances.
He took his time undressing her, letting the simple nightgown slide away to reveal the body he'd memorized through touch and sight. Even now, after everything, she was beautiful enough to make his restored emotions catch.
"I love you," he said against her skin, trailing kisses down her throat. "I need you to know that. Whatever happens with Seria, whatever other connections form – this is different. This will always matter."
"Show me," Elara breathed. "Don't tell me. Show me."
So he did.
