Just then, a thud from further up the stairs announced Astor. He must have woken up. He scrambled down the last few steps, his eyes scanning the room frantically until they landed on me. His face still full from sleep but l saw relief.
"Faith" he practically roared, rushing towards me. He moved to his knees beside us, pulling all three of us into a tight embrace. "Goddess, I was so worried. So, so worried." His voice was rough, thick with emotion.
I leaned my head against his shoulder, feeling the solid strength of him. "I'm good," I murmured, shrugging slightly. "Most importantly, you are the one who saved me." My voice was quiet, but I meant every word. He had brought me home and he fought for me.
Astor pulled back, his intense eyes searching mine, as if to confirm I was truly okay. T
