"What?"

Sienna's voice came out strangled. Choked with tears and salt water and disbelief.

Dante's eyes stayed locked on hers. Despite the pain etched across his face. Despite the burns and blood and exhaustion.

"Marry me," he repeated. Stronger this time. "For real this time."

"We're already married."

"I know. But that was for the Council. For appearances. For survival." His burned hand squeezed hers gently. "I want to do it again. Because we choose it. Because we love each other. Not because we have to."

"You're delirious. You're hurt. You don't know what you're saying."

"I know exactly what I'm saying." He coughed. Winced. "Been thinking about it since...