Lola’s POV

The night was quiet, save for the gentle whisper of wind through the leaves and the rhythmic beating of Kael’s heart beneath my ear. We lay entwined beneath a vast canopy of stars, the world shrinking down to just the two of us. His arms wrapped securely around me, a protective shield against any darkness that might lurk beyond.

“I never realized how much I needed this,” I whispered softly, my voice barely breaking the silence.

Kael’s fingers traced small circles on my bare shoulder, each touch grounding me deeper in the moment. His voice was low and sure. “Neither did I. After all we’ve been through… moments...