Seria stood awkwardly in the Valcrest sitting room while Elara worked on stabilizing Damien's corruption. The anchor bond between them was visible in ways that made Seria feel like an intruder – the way they moved in sync, the unspoken communication, the intimacy of Elara's touch bringing Damien back from the edge.
After twenty minutes, his eyes had regained their humanity. The cold calculation faded to something warmer, more recognizably him.
"Better?" Elara asked softly.
"Getting there." Damien's voice was rough but present. "Thank you. I'm sorry you had to – "
"Don't apologize for needing help." Elara's tone was firm despite the gentleness. "That's what I'm here for."
Seria felt that twist in her chest again and hated herself for it. They had something she wasn't part of, couldn't be part of, shouldn't want to be part of.
Except some traitorous part of her did want it. Wanted to be the one who could bring him back from darkness. Wanted that level of connection and trust.
