Lara stood watching the sky when Thornak came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her.
He kissed her cheek. Then he kissed her again. Her face grew warm as color rushed to her face.
"Thornak," she said softly, "we're outside."
He smiled against her skin and held her close, as if he didn't care who saw.
His arms still firm around her.
"Let them see," he said calmly.
She exhaled, a small smile forming, despite herself. "I love you."
He smiled back, gently, and brushed a kiss to the tip of her nose.
"We will get through this," he said. "Together."
Far from their quiet moment, at the very edge of the camp, a darker presence lingered.
The sorcerer stood at the border of the Vargorath forest, his posture rigid, his gaze fixed on the camp beyond.
Anger rolled off him like a heavy wave. Akira and Nyalei stood on either side, watching him closely.
After a moment, Akira spoke.
"Your powers are gone," he said. "What do we do now?"
Eryn's lips curved into a slow, cold smile.
