Chapter One Hundred and Sixty-Three
Before Crow could say another word, Ardyn pushed him back with a sudden burst of emotion and wrapped her arms tightly around him. Her face pressed against his chest, and she held him like she didn't want to let go.
"I don't want to lose to them…" she muttered, voice muffled but trembling with sincerity. "I just… I wanted you to see me too."
Crow blinked, slightly stunned—but he didn't pull away. He raised a hand, gently resting it on the back of her head. "I see you, Ardyn. Always have."
Sylvanna narrowed her eyes from the side, her knuckles whitening around her staff. Liana's smile faltered. Valeria huffed, turning her head with a sharp flick of her hair.
But none of them interrupted.
Ardyn's hug only grew tighter.