DAMIEN

Deirdre's soft laughter vibrated against my chest, a melody that soothed the storm inside me. “You’re holding me so tightly, Damien,” she murmured, her voice tinged with gentle humour. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

I pulled back just enough to look at her, searching her face for any trace of deception, any sign that this was another cruel trick of the throne or my own fractured mind. But there was none. Her eyes held nothing but love and warmth.

“I don’t want to let go,” I admitted, my voice raw. “Not after what I’ve been through. I can’t lose you again.”

Her expression softened, and she reached up to...