“I’m fine,” she argued, defiance sparking in her eyes.
“You’re not,” I countered, my voice softening. “You did more than anyone expected today, Amber. But we can’t afford to lose you. Please.”
For the first time, her shoulders sagged slightly. “Fine. But only if you come with me.”
Night growled his approval, and I didn’t argue. No way was I letting her out of my sight.
As we walked back to our cottage, her hand brushed mine, and her blue eyes softened. “I’ll learn,” she murmured. “But you have to trust me, Alek. I’m not a damsel, and I’ll never be one.”
I sighed, intertwining my fingers with hers. “Trust isn’t the problem, Amber. Losing you is.”
She didn’t answer, but her grip on my hand tightened. For now, that was enough.
---
AARON POV
The air was thick with tens
