Alaric's heart swelled at the confession, his arms tightening around her protectively. "I did too," he admitted in a low rumble. Then, softer, almost to himself, he added, "I almost went mad without you."
Her breathing slowed, deep and even, and he realized she had drifted into sleep. Alaric smiled faintly, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face as he gazed down at her peaceful expression.
Though his body still thrummed with unmet need, he didn't mind. Sleep was impossible for him now, but he welcomed the chance to simply be with her, to memorize the feel of her in his arms and the way her fiery spirit had melted into serene vulnerability.
In this moment, she was his to cherish, and he vowed to never take that for granted. As the firelight flickered across her features, Alaric let himself savor the sight of his charming, fiery wife—the woman who had become his everything.
~~~{────────
Same Night.