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She smiles.

“That one, maybe.”

I rise just enough to kiss her.

Slowly.

Gently.

Her hands settle against my shoulders, and she leans into me with a soft sigh.

The lamps flicker.

I force my power to remain still.

I will not destroy another piece of her furniture trying to maintain my control when she touches me.

Not tonight.

When I pull back, her forehead rests against mine.

“I love you,” I whisper.

Her fingers thread in my hair. “I love you too.”

And then my entire world stops.

I’ve imagined those words spoken by countless lovers.

Created dreams where mortals declared their devotion beneath stars and moonlight.

Yet hearing them from Calla is unlike anything I’ve ever known.

I cup her face.

“Say it again.”

She smiles.

“I love you, you ridiculous, arrogant, impossible man.”

I laugh.

Then kiss her again.

“I love you too, little mortal.”

I brush my lips across her forehead.

“And I would endure another three thousand years of imprisonment if it meant keeping you safe.”

She shakes her head.

“Don’t say that.”

“It’s the truth.”

“I don’t want you sacrificing yourself for me.”