The hallway was silent, barely illuminated by the crystal lamps that seemed alive, emitting a soft, almost organic glow. The air seemed warmer there, as if the palace itself was holding its breath.
The fairy wine burned slowly in Eren’s veins; not like an uncontrolled fire, but like a perilous warmth, the kind that disarms defenses and loosens guarded truths.
He rested his forehead for a moment against Lissana’s temple, closing his eyes, letting the world slowly revolve around him. For the first time in a long while, he didn’t feel the need to hold everything together with his own hands.
“Thank you…” he murmured, “for choosing me.”
His voice was low, almost a whisper, but loaded with something immense.
Lissana closed her eyes upon hearing him. Those words were not born of vanity or de
