He looks peaceful.
I haven’t seen that in a long time. Maybe ever.
Aspen gives him a quiet nod—some kind of unspoken guy thing—and walks away.
Kieran sets down whatever he was holding. Turns to face me.
Gods.
I forget sometimes. How beautiful he is. How the light catches the sharp lines of his jaw. How his eyes hold centuries but still manage to look at me like I’m the only thing that matters.
It’s annoying, honestly.
I steady myself, clasping the Heart of Eternity feeling the weight of it in my hand, and start with the truth.
“I haven’t gotten a chance to thank you yet.”
His expression shifts. Guarded. Like he’s bracing for a hit.
“For what?”
I step closer. Let my fingers brush his bicep.
He goes still. Completely still.
“For saving me.” My voice comes out softer than I intended. “For protecting me. For everything you’ve done since we got here.”
I take a breath.
“Well. You know. Besides the whole forcing the bonds thing.” I hold his gaze. “And at some point we’re going to talk about that. But not right now.”
Kieran flinches. Just barely.
Good.He should.
“I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you,” I continue. “For the rest of it.”
His jaw tightens.
Not guilt. Not this time. This is something else.
“You don’t owe me anything.” His voice is quiet. Rough. “My job has always been to protect you.”
I shake my head. “You protected me even when I made it impossible.”
Something flickers across his face.
But it doesn’t shatter him this time. He just exhales slowly.
Okay. Here we go.
“We need to find Seren.”
He nods once. Listening.
“I’m not rushing in recklessly.” I hold his gaze. “Not this time. We’re healed. You’re stable. I’m stable. There’s no reason we can’t leave tomorrow.”
He doesn’t argue or try to stall. Just stands there watching me like I’m a puzzle he can’t figure out.
