That night, Veer massaged Kaya's feet with warm oil, rubbing slow circles over the redness and swelling until her skin stopped trembling under his fingers. After that, he sat with her in his lap, wrapped gently in his arms like she was something fragile—something that might shatter if he let go.
He didn't sleep.
Not even for a second.
He just sat there, watching the fire flicker low and dim, holding her close through every soft breath, every tired shift.
By the time morning arrived, soft light slipping into the mouth of the cave, Kaya stirred.
She blinked slowly, and as her eyes opened, the first thing she saw was Veer.
He was still there. Still holding her.
