*Briella*

The forest around us hushed as if it held its breath, waiting for my next words. Kryzen's gaze, intense and expectant, pierced through the veil of uncertainty that had shrouded my heart. His hand, calloused from years of wielding swords and bowstrings, held mine with a gentleness that belied his warrior’s strength.

"Say it again," he whispered, the rough timbre of his voice softening like the evening light filtering through the leaves.

I could feel ...