The room went quiet again.
Elowen's eyes twinkled. "You mean hugging someone warm?"
Velmora nodded slowly. "I mean this. Being still. Being… held, in return."
Lilith finally spoke.
Her voice was soft, but firm.
"We understand. Just don't hog him all day."
"I will," Velmora said without apology.
Liliana rolled her eyes. "She's not even pretending anymore."
Isabella frowned. "Should we fight her?"
Seraphina stood slowly, placing her cup down. "No."
Everyone turned to look at her.
She stepped toward Ethan and gently reached out, placing her hand on his shoulder.
"I think," she said slowly, "that we're all just a little scared."
"Of what?" Everly asked quietly.
"That someone else might get too close," Seraphina answered. "Before we get our turn."
The weight of her words hung in the air.
Velmora didn't move.
But her grip softened.
Just a little.
And finally, Ethan spoke—voice calm, but honest.
"You don't have to rush."
Everyone looked at him.
