Her eyes flicked to him with an uncertain expression. "I… I couldn't sleep," she said quietly, not meeting his gaze. "I thought… maybe I could stay here? Just for tonight?"
Adrian frowned slightly, his concern outweighing his confusion. "Why couldn't you sleep?"
Selene hesitated, her silver eyes glinting faintly in the dim light. "I keep… remembering things," she admitted. "Fragments. Of the fight, the forest. It's like they're just out of reach, but they won't leave me alone." She lowered her head. "And when I close my eyes, I feel like I'm back there."
Adrian's expression softened. He moved over, making space on the bed. "Come in, then."
Selene moved forward carefully, her actions hesitant as if she worried she might be a burden. She perched on the edge of the bed, her fingers twisting in the fabric of her cloak.
"You're not imposing," Adrian said gently, as though reading her thoughts.
Selene glanced up at him, her cheeks faintly flushed. "Thank you," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
They sat in silence for a moment, the only sound the faint rustling of the wind outside.
Adrian leaned back against the headboard, studying her carefully. "What do you remember about the fight?" he asked.
Selene shook her head. "It's blurry. I see flashes—movements, strikes, faces. But it doesn't feel like me. It's like I'm watching someone else. Someone stronger. Faster."
"You were incredible," Adrian said quietly. "Whatever happened to you, it kept us alive. But we'll figure it out. Together."
Selene nodded, her hands still fidgeting. "It's just… scary," she admitted. "I don't want to lose myself. I don't want to be someone I don't recognize."
"You won't," Adrian said firmly. "You're stronger than that. And you're not alone in this."
Selene smiled softly, her shoulders relaxing a bit. She shifted to sit more comfortably, her silver eyes meeting his. "Do you think… we'll be okay? All of us?"
Adrian hesitated, his gaze distant as he considered the question. "I think we'll survive," he said finally. "And sometimes, that's all you can ask for."
She nodded with a thoughtful expression.
Selene paused, her face showing doubt, but the kindness in Adrian's eyes gave her comfort. She let out a gentle breath, feeling the tightness in her shoulders relax even more.
"Do you ever… get scared like that?" She asked softly as if she was worried about the response.
Adrian considered the question, his gaze shifting to the window. "I think everyone does," he admitted. "Even the strongest of us. It's what we do with that fear that defines us."
Selene's lips curved into a faint smile. "I want to believe that," she murmured, her voice nearly lost in the quiet of the room.
Adrian reached out hesitantly, his hand brushing hers. The touch was gentle, barely noticeable, but it created a spark between them. Selene's breath caught, her eyes darting from their hands to his face.
"You're not alone, Selene," he said gently. "And you don't have to face this alone."
For a moment, she stared at him, her expression softening as a blush bloomed across her cheeks. "Adrian…" she began, but her words faltered, caught in the tangle of emotions swirling within her.
Adrian shifted closer, the mattress dipping beneath his weight. His hand lingered on hers, and though neither moved away. The wind outside seemed to quiet, as though the world itself held its breath.
Selene tilted her head slightly, her eyes searching his. "Do you ever feel like… you're standing on the edge of something? Something you can't see but know is there?"
Adrian's lips twitched into a faint smile. "All the time," he replied in a low voice. "But sometimes, you have to take that step anyway."
Their proximity was intoxicating, the distance between them narrowing with every word. Selene's hand turned, her fingers brushing against his palm, hesitant yet seeking.
The contact sent a warmth flooding through her, erasing the chill of her lingering fears.
Adrian's free hand rose slowly, brushing a stray lock of silver hair from her face. His touch was gentle, his fingertips brushing against her skin like a soft breeze. Selene's breath caught, her heart pounding a rhythm she couldn't ignore.
"Adrian…" she whispered.
He leaned in slowly, giving her the opportunity to back away if she wanted. But Selene stayed, her gaze flicking to his lips and back to his eyes. Then, as if drawn by an invisible force, their lips met.
The kiss was soft at first. But as the seconds passed, it deepened, the hesitance melting away. Adrian's hand cupped her cheek, anchoring her to him, while her fingers curled into the fabric of his shirt, pulling him closer.
Selene felt a warmth blossom in her chest, spreading through her like fire. It wasn't just the kiss—it was the promise it carried, the reassurance that she wasn't alone. She tilted her head, her movements becoming bolder, more confident.
Adrian responded in kind, his lips moving against hers with a fervor that matched her own.
His arms encircled her, pulling her fully into his embrace. Selene gasped softly as they were pressed together, feeling the closeness in a captivating way. Her hands slid up to his shoulders, her fingers tracing the contours of his frame.
They broke apart briefly, their breaths mingling as they stared at each other. Selene's cheeks were flushed, her silver eyes bright with a mix of emotions.
Adrian's own expression mirrored hers, his gaze soft yet intense.
"I…" Selene began, but Adrian silenced her with another kiss, this one hungrier, more insistent. She melted into him, her hands gripping his shirt as if anchoring herself to reality.
Adrian shifted, guiding her back against the pillows as their kisses grew more passionate. Selene's cloak slipped from her shoulders, forgotten as his hands found her waist. She trembled at his touch, her heart beating fast alongside his.
His lips trailed from hers, brushing along her jawline and down to her neck. Selene tilted her head, her breath hitching as he explored the sensitive skin there. Her fingers tangled in his hair, urging him closer.
"Adrian…" she whispered.
He paused, his gaze meeting hers once more. "Tell me if I'm going too far," he said.
Selene shook her head, her silver eyes glowing with trust. "You're not," she said softly, her hand brushing his cheek.
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