down his candle on a nearby ledge and
wrapped his arms tightly around her.
Lysandra sagged, leaning on him further.
As if the weight of exhaustion was
unbearable.
Aedion rested his chin atop her head and
closed his eyes, breathing in her ever-
changing scent.
Her heartbeat thundered against his own as
he ran a hand down her spine. Long, soothing
strokes.
They hadn’t shared a bed. There was no
place to do so anyway. But this, holding each
other—she’d initiated it the night the Thirteen
had sacrificed themselves. Had stopped him at
this very spot and just held him for long
minutes. Until whatever pain and despair
eased enough that they could make the trek
upstairs.
Lysandra pulled away, but not wholly out
lily
(lily)
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