Page 162 of Bound to the Dreadlord

I am still shaking.

I don’t tell him but I know I have to.

My lips part, but the words do not come. I am afraid. Beyond terrified.

Not for me.

For him.

For what is coming.

For what I might have to become.

He must see it on my face.

The storm inside me. The wound I do not know how to name.

His hands tighten around my arms, pulling me closer.

And for once, he does not hesitate.

“You are not alone.”

The words should not feel so powerful.

But they do.

I need them.

I crash into him, gripping his tunic as if it is the only thing keeping me here.

His arms come around me, unshakable. And then, he makes a vow.

A whisper against my hair. “For as long as I breathe, I will protect you.”

My tears flow with my emotions, unstoppable.

I clutch him harder.

I want to believe him. I need to believe him.

The voice still lingers in my mind, making my doubt everything.

"The war is not over, little siren."

"It has only just begun."

His hand cups my jaw, tilting my face up.

My breath catches.

His eyes—gods, his eyes.

There is no hesitation. No war between us anymore.

Only this.

Only him.

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