God, it’s always there.
Stronger now.
Sharper.
Because we almost didn’t make it.
“Look at me,” I say quietly.
She does.
And it hits me all over again.
Everything.
The fire.
The strength.
The way she stands there like she’d burn the world down if it meant protecting the people she loves.
Including me.
Especially me.
“I’m not doing this without you,” I tell her.
Her breath catches slightly.
“Doing what?”
“Any of it,” I say. “The missions. The fights. Whatever comes next.”
I take another step closer.
Now there’s nothing between us.
“If you’re in this… I’m in it with you.”
Her eyes search mine.
Like she’s trying to see if I mean it.
Like she’s deciding if she’s going to let herself believe it.
“Mila,” I murmur, softer now, “I’m not walking away from you. I love you!”
That does it.
The wall she’s been holding up?
Gone.
She closes the distance.
Grabs my shirt.
Pulls me into her.
