Erick’s POV

The crown glowed intensely on Deborah's head, and Erick's heart constricted. Not from pride, nor from relief. But from fear.

She appeared otherworldly, a figure born of light and darkness, too grand and potent to be truly his. The radiant light in her hair highlighted her features, gorgeous, awe-inspiring, and seemingly beyond his grasp.

For a brief moment, he lost all sense of their connection, as if the crown had elevated her to a place he couldn't reach.

Then her legs gave ...