Tristan seemed to be trying to catch his breath, panting. Holding Sophia's hands still on his cheeks, the man spoke softly.

"I love you, Sophia. There's not the slightest Cragun here." Tristan then took one of Sophia's hands. Aim it right at the chest. Reassure his wife that at this time, he said he meant it. Not because of compulsion or boasting, let alone just a mere mode. "For God's sake, I love you. I don't want to lose you one bit. I don't want to let you go."

Sophia herself didn't budge. Too surprised to hear a fact that managed to tear apart his heart. There was a side...