The room stayed quiet after Galathea Brooks spoke.
This is mine.
The words didn't disappear when they left her mouth. They lingered in the air between them, heavy with meaning.
Cael Alexander's arms were still around her waist.
Galathea felt the warmth of his hands through the thin fabric of her shirt, steady and grounding. Her cheek rested lightly against his shoulder, her breathing slowly falling into rhythm with his.
For a moment neither of them spoke.
There was nothing left to argue.
Nothing left to define.
The declaration had already been made.
Galathea closed her eyes briefly.
For the first time since the Codex awakened, her thoughts were quiet.
Not empty.
Just still.
Cael shifted slightly, but not pulling away. Just adjusting his hold.
Galathea leaned back just enough to look at him.
His hands were still resting carefully at her waist.
Not pulling, not guiding.
But waiting.
"You're being very patient," she said.
"You're setting the pace." he said.
