Chapter One Hundred and Seventy
As the golden glow of the contract faded, Beldra stood still—tense, unreadable. Crow raised his hand slowly, then gently placed it on her head.
The Primordial Dwarven blacksmith blinked. Her powerful frame stiffened at first… then relaxed, her eyes fluttering closed as she leaned slightly into his touch.
"You dare… head pat me?" she murmured, voice soft now, trembling with confused emotion.
Crow gave a faint smirk. "You earned it."
Beldra's cheeks flushed a deep molten red, her demeanor cracking under the warmth. "M-More," she muttered, surprising even herself. "Just a little longer."
Thalgrun laughed heartily nearby. "Looks like you forged her heart faster than her blades, lad."
Beldra didn't move, eyes shut, as if basking in a feeling long lost to the forgefires of time.