Ch 42: Tension what a relief~~ whew!!, New companion

Gray walked back to his room, the tension of the king's words still lingering in his mind. He exhaled a long breath, feeling the weight of the conversation start to lift as he neared his door. At least that's over with, he thought, his hand on the handle. But just as he pushed the door open—

"Gray!"

Before he could react, Vanisa hurled herself at him, crashing into his chest with such force that he staggered back a step. She clung to him tightly, her face buried in his chest as she began to sob. "You survived!" she cried, her tears dampening his shirt. "I thought I was going to lose you, Gray!" Her voice trembled with relief as her arms tightened around him, as if she feared he might disappear if she let go.