It was like holding a breath for a long time, the heart beating in the chest and echoing in the ears. These simple three words had the power to stop time. Talim ran her fingers along the collarbone of her brother tenderly.
Pressing her body against his, their exchange was more fusional than it ever was, as for once, he was not terrified to hurt her. He could squeeze her in his arms, there were no powerful claws to slice her. He could kiss her, again and again, biting the lobe of her ear, and there were no dragon's jaws to rip her apart.
He could finally be free to love her as he wanted to. Without consequences, without crying and screams. Talim pulled away and looked into his eyes, the connection they shared had never been so strong. Her voice was shaking, and hesitant, and her words stuck in her throat.