Dravina POV

The weight of Malrik’s words sank into me, and with trembling resolve, I lifted my tear-stained face to his.

“Was that why you stayed out the other night?” My voice barely carried, fragile and raw, like it might splinter under its own weight.

His gaze softened, holding something between sorrow and resolve. He didn’t answer right away instead, he drew me against his chest, his thumb brushing away my tears with a tenderness that ached.

“I’ve made peace with it,” he ...