Zion settled beside me with a sigh that spoke of the weight of the world. His strong arm found its way around my shoulders, pulling me closer into his warmth. I could feel the steadiness of his heartbeat against my cheek. “Are you okay now?” he asked, his voice a soft murmur, almost drowned out by the chaotic echoes of our recent battle.

I gave a half-hearted hum in response.

“I feel dirty,” I confessed, feeling the grime of the day clinging to me like a second ...