"I love you," she repeated, stronger now.
"Not because you're my anchor. Not because we work well together. Not because you respect my competence. I love you because you're you. Complicated and strategic and corrupted and fighting to stay human. Because you see me completely and don't ask me to be perfect. Because when I'm with you, I can be both strong and vulnerable without choosing between them."
[CORRUPTION MILESTONE: LOVE CONFESSION]
Damien's eyes went bright with emotion. "Seria – "
"And I'm ready." She cut him off, voice firm with decision. "I'm ready to give myself to you. Completely. Not because the anchor requires it but because I want it. Want you. Want this to be real in every way possible."
He kissed her then – not the careful, exploratory kisses they'd shared before, but something deeper. Claiming and questioning simultaneously, asking permission while expressing desire.
