Outside, the city had begun to show signs of early winter—trees nearly bare, their leaves forming brittle mosaics on the ground, and the air laced with a soft chill that hinted at colder days to come. Warmth clung to the walls like a protective charm against the creeping cold.
Moren finished drying her hair, her faint smile reflecting back from the mirror like a whisper of contentment. She carefully set the soft, damp towel down on the sink, its edges slightly frayed from use, and slipped into her pants. The fabric was familiar, a comforting embrace, well-worn from countless journeys that had left a tapestry of memories in its threads. Time had a curious way of unfurling its mysteries—what felt like mere days had stretched into a year and a half. She had grown stronger in that span, her spirit fortified and her mind wiser.
She had traversed the vast and varied landscapes of Vey'Lathis, winding her way through ancient forests that whispered secrets, bustling cities teeming with life, silent ruins echoing the past, and rivers that sang their eternal song. She even spent a brief, awe-inspiring week amidst the towering spires of Zavrosa, where the sky kissed the earth. Every step of her journey had molded her, and every lesson had etched its wisdom into the person who now gazed back at her with eyes full of stories untold.
Moren had just finished buttoning her pants when a pair of calloused hands slid over her bare stomach, wrapping around her waist. Soft kisses peppered her shoulder, turning into gentle nips that made her giggle.
"You're insatiable," Moren teased, her breath catching as the kisses deepened. "At least let me finish getting dressed before you try to undress me again."
She could feel the warmth of Sylara's body pressed firmly against her back, especially the two firm, unmistakable orbs against her spine. Before she could protest further, Sylara chuckled, spun her around, and captured her lips in a rough, eager kiss.
"This is our last day together, darling," Sylara purred, trailing her mouth down to Moren's neck and leaving a bold hickey behind. "And it's your birthday. I have to make it special." She winked playfully. "Unlike myself, you only turn nineteen once in a lifetime."
"You little minx," Moren groaned, hands slipping around Sylara's bare hips. She lifted the Elven woman with practiced ease and sat her atop the sink, bringing them face to face.
"You know," Moren said softly, brushing a strand of auburn hair from Sylara's cheek, "you could come with us to White Stone. We could make this… permanent."
She pressed a tender kiss to Sylara's lips, then another to her collarbone. Sylara's legs wrapped around her waist, pulling her in closer.
"Is that a yes?" Moren whispered, her eyes drinking in the woman's beauty before her.
Sylara cupped Moren's face in her hands, her smile soft and tinged with sorrow. "Sweetie," she murmured, kissing Moren's forehead gently, "What we had was beautiful, and I've cherished every moment. But I'm over four centuries old… and I don't plan on getting serious again for at least another fifty years."
Her thumb brushed gently along Moren's cheek. "My last mate passed three decades ago," Sylara continued, her voice quieter now. "I loved him with all my heart. After he was gone, I made myself a promise—eighty years before I allow myself to fall in love again."
She hesitated, then added with quiet honesty, "I care for you, Moren. Deeply. But I don't love you—not the way you deserve to be loved."
Moren's breath caught—not in surprise, but in quiet acknowledgment. The words landed like a final piece in a puzzle she had tried not to examine too closely. She had felt the distance, too, in the silences between their laughter, in the way her heart never quite ached when Sylara wasn't near. There had been warmth, comfort, even desire—but not the kind of love that bloomed unbidden and took root.
"I know," Moren said softly, her voice steady despite the tightness in her chest. Her gaze dropped to their joined hands, fingers still interlaced out of habit. "I think... I've known for a while. I just didn't want to face it. You were good to me. Kind. And I wanted that to be enough."
Sylara's eyes shimmered, not with sorrow, but with something gentler—understanding. She reached up, brushing a stray strand of hair behind Moren's ear, her touch lingering with unspoken thanks. Then, leaning in, she kissed her—slowly, reverently—not as a promise of something to come but as a benediction for what had been.
Moren returned the kiss with equal softness. There was no heat, no desperate clutch—just gratitude. For the shared nights, the quiet companionship, the fleeting illusion that they could be more. And when they pulled apart, both women knew they were saying goodbye to something that had already begun to fade.
"Thank you," Moren murmured, her voice barely above the rustle of the wind outside. "For being there when I needed someone. For seeing me, even if only for a while."
"You will find the one who's meant to walk beside you," Sylara whispered, their foreheads touching. "Someone who sees all the strength, all the magic, and wildness in you… and chooses you completely. Until then, travel, grow, laugh loudly, and love freely. Let the world shape you. And when the time is right, love will find you again… probably when you're not even looking."
Moren nodded slowly, the sadness in her eyes belying the small, understanding smile on her lips. "I understand," she whispered, her voice just above a breath. She let out a deep sigh and looked down for a moment as if weighing her heart. "So… what happens now?"
It was hard not to think back to the months since the wedding reception and to the evenings in Ethos, where chance encounters had become intentional meetings. Dinners that turned into long walks, concerts, and plays where Heiko always managed to find tickets… and then always managed to cancel at the last minute. Sylara had made her laugh, made her feel wanted, and made her feel seen. It hadn't taken long for the stolen glances and lingering touches to become heated kisses and nights of passion. Nights where Sylara taught her far more than the old books she used to keep hidden under her mattress ever had.
"Now?" Sylara purred, her breath hot against Moren's ear as she gave it a playful nip. "Now, I'll give you the rest of your birthday presents from last night… and take you to your party."
She wrapped her arms lazily around Moren's neck, eyes gleaming with mischief and hunger. "We're ending this fling with a bang, darling."
Before Moren could respond, Sylara locked her ankles around her waist and buried her face in the crook of her neck, inhaling her scent like a last memory. "We've got an hour," she whispered, voice husky and low. "So you better get us back to your bed. I plan on making every long, delicious minute count."
Moren couldn't help the soft laugh that escaped her lips—part aroused, part heartbroken—as she carried Sylara toward the bed for one final shared fire, knowing that only memories would remain in the morning.
"Yes, ma'am," Moren breathed, her voice hitching as Sylara's lips found the tender spot just behind her ear. The Elven woman dragged her teeth across it slowly, deliberately—and Moren's knees nearly buckled.
"O-OOOH!" she gasped, shuddering violently as heat surged through her. Her hands flew to Sylara's hips for balance, but even that wasn't enough.
With a strangled laugh, Moren practically bolted for the bed, stumbling with urgency. "You're going to make my legs useless before we even get there," she called over her shoulder, cheeks flushed and breath already uneven.
Sylara followed with the predatory grace of a huntress, her smirk wicked. "That's the idea, darling," she purred. "I plan to leave you breathless, marked, and grinning through your entire birthday party."
She paused at the edge of the bed, eyes tracing Moren's form like a painter memorizing every curve. "Now," she said, voice velvet and command all at once, "lie down, birthday girl—and keep your hands exactly where I put them."
Moren swallowed hard, her heart hammering in her chest as she obeyed, lying back against the soft sheets. Her skin prickled with anticipation as Sylara climbed onto the bed with slow, deliberate movements, like a cat savoring the moment before pouncing.
The Elven woman straddled her hips, leaning down to brush a kiss over Moren's collarbone—then lower, her lips teasing paths of fire along bare skin. Her hands roamed with practiced ease, coaxing soft gasps and whispered pleas from Moren's lips. Every touch and kiss felt like a goodbye wrapped in silk and heat.
Moren arched into her, trembling beneath the weight of desire and the sting of looming parting. "Sylara," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Sylara paused only briefly, her amber eyes locking with Moren's. "Shh," she murmured, pressing a kiss just over Moren's heart. "Let me give you something to remember."
The rest was a blur of tangled limbs, breathless laughter, and whispered names. A crescendo of need and tenderness, each moment more intense than the last—they finally collapsed together, chests heaving and limbs still entwined.
The room was filled with the scent of shared passion and the sound of quiet breathing. Sylara stroked Moren's hair as they lay in silence, her fingers gentle now, reverent.
After a while, she sat up and stretched, the soft light catching the curve of her bare back. "Come on, birthday girl," she said with a teasing grin. "Let's get you cleaned up. Can't have you showing up to your own party looking like you've been ravished—even if you have."
Moren laughed, tired and glowing, and reached for her hand. "Only if you help me put on my necklace. My hands are a little… unsteady."
Sylara winked. "They'd better be."
An hour and a half later, Moren and Sylara strolled into the dining room—freshly dressed, if not entirely innocent-looking. The space had been transformed with colorful streamers, glowing crystal lanterns, and the rich aroma of roasted meats and spiced pastries drifting through the air. A table near the window overflowed with wrapped gifts, and a banner stitched with silver thread read: Happy 19th, Moren!
As they entered, a chorus of "Happy Birthday!" rang out from the gathered guests—family, friends, and a few curious acquaintances. Several offered warm smiles and waves… but more than a few gave Moren the exact kind of look she'd feared. Knowing. Smug. Teasing.
Behind the greetings came a distinct groan from one corner, followed by the unmistakable clink of coins changing hands.
Moren narrowed her eyes, instinctively pulling her jacket tighter and grateful she'd buttoned her shirt all the way to the top to hide the constellation of hickeys Sylara had left behind. "This all looks amazing," she said warmly, scanning the room. "Thank you. But… what is that about?"
She gestured toward Veska and Mika, who were engaged in a silent, smug exchange. Mika was stuffing a handful of coins into her purse while Veska glared at her with dramatic betrayal.
"We had a bet on how late you were going to be with Sylara's this morning." Heiko pouted and handed Mika a few coins. "I figured she could keep you 'busy' for another 30 minutes." She shot the Elf woman a playful smile. "I should have made a deal with you to split the winnings."
"I wouldn't have minded keeping Moren busy if I knew about the bet ahead of time," Sylara laughed at Moren's growing embarrassment. "I could have given you another lesson." She finished with a low purr that told the adults in the room what she meant.
"You were doing lessons on your Birthday?" Jewel asked incredulously. "Birthdays are for having fun until you pass out from exhaustion!" The girl crossed her arms and sent a disappointed look at Moren. "You need to have more fun before you get any older."
Jace nearly choked on his drink, shooting his wife a horrified look as quiet snickering filled the air around him.
Veska was about to say something when Mika quickly elbowed her with a stern look that said shut up. "Fine," Veska grumbled. "Ruin my fun."
"Adults are weird," Tiele said, running over and pulling Moren by the wrist closer to the table. "Hurry up and eat so we can start all the fun!" The young boy said excitedly.
Moren laughed at her young cousin's antics. "Alright," She said, sending a wink at Sylara. "I am famished this morning."
Veska turned to look at Sylara. "You got my sister to open up quite a bit over the last year." She smiled as she watched Tiele and Jewel fill Moren's plate with food. "I owe you a drink, and thanks for making her smile like that."
"It was my pleasure," Sylara replied with a smirk. "I'll be returning home tomorrow morning when you set out for White Stone." She clicked her tongue as she watched Moren tickle her cousins, and Jewel's laughs filled the room. "The downside of a long life span is having to start over when you lose the love of your life." Sylara shared a soft smile. "Please take good care of Moren for me and make sure that she finds someone who treats her well."
Veska nodded as Heiko joined in on the fun with Moren and her children. "I will," She said with a small smile. "Moren is my family, and I will ensure that my sister is loved and treated the way she deserves." She patted a pouch on her belt. "I'm not afraid to make someone disappear that breaks her heart."
"Let me know where, and I'll help." Sylara agreed.
After everyone finished eating breakfast, the staff cleared the table, and Moren was surrounded by gifts of various sizes.
Tiele and Jewel were quick to hand their gifts for Moren to open, but they had to be separated after they started shoving one another. Tiele gave Moren a hand-drawn picture of her being a hero in a pose found in old paintings. Moren thanked him with a hug and accepted a small pouch from Jewel. Inside the pouch was a handmade beaded bracelet with red and yellow beads. Moren allowed the young girl to tie it to her wrist. Jewel beamed with pride and gave Moren a tight hug.
Jaycen was next and gave Moren a beautifully crafted leather-bound journal with their family crest in gold on the dark red leather, along with a tome from the Temple of Myzoth. "I know you have been there to pray and thought you would enjoy this."
"They are beautiful," Moren said softly while gently running her fingers over the covers of both books. "Thank you, Jaycen. I love them." She stacked them on the table neatly and gave him a one-armed hug.
Veska cleared her throat. "My turn," She preened and placed several books in front of Moren. "Arcane Knowledge Through the Ages, The History of White Stone, and Runic Magic Guide," Veska gestured to the books like a showman. "I saw you looking at them when we went shopping last time and swiped them before you could buy them."
"Thanks, Sis," Moren gushed as she momentarily skimmed through the rune book before jumping out of her chair and pulling Veska into a hug. "I want to sit down and see if I can use these runes to enchant a room. I can show you a few ideas I have later!" She bounded in place before Veska pushed her back into her seat.
"Sounds good to me." Veska laughed at her sister's excitement. "I'm sure we can find some time while we travel."
"It's our turn now," Rose said, bouncing an adorable little girl who was almost two years old. She gestured for her husband to hand Moren a small box wrapped in a dark blue cloth. "Please open that."
"Ok," Moren replied, accepting the gift and opened it. "Wow." Moren pulled out a small gold necklace with a matching color star-shaped pendant. The star seemed to glow faintly in the light." "It's beautiful."
"The star represents a guiding light that will always lead you home, even in the darkest of times," Rose said with a wide smile. "You brought Mika home to us, and we can never thank you enough for that."
Matthew gently took his wife's hand into his own. "We also had a long talk, and we decided that we wanted you to be the godmother of our child." He said as the room gasped in shock. "You are one of Roses's closest friends and my sister in every way but blood."
"I'm honored," Moren gasped and rushed to hug them both. "Are you sure about me being their Godmother? I will be traveling quite a bit with my lifestyle."
Rose gently placed the baby into Moren's arms with a soft smile. "We know that, and we want you to be a part of our child's life whenever you can," she said, her eyes shimmering with happy tears. "Your family—and this baby—will need to hear stories from Aunt Moren to guide and protect them."
Moren looked down at the infant nestled against her chest. The baby's pale blue skin glowed softly in the warm light, and tiny gray cow-like horns peeked through tufts of silvery-gray hair. Wide amber eyes blinked up at her with innocent curiosity, and Moren felt her heart twist in the best possible way.
"Hi, Momo," Moren cooed at the giggling girl, patted her face.
She had been overwhelmed with emotion the first time she held her tiny niece, and even more so when she learned they had named her Momo after her. Since then, whenever Moren returned from her travels, she always brought a toy or a small stuffed animal tucked in her pack, eager to see Momo's little hands reach out for it with delight.
"If you are half as good as Mika says, then you will be fine, dear," Jack said with a proud smile. "We have faith in you."
Mika placed a motherly kiss atop Moren's head. "You will do so many great things, my dear daughter," She whispered and hugged her daughter from behind. "You have to promise to visit when you can."
"I promise," Moren whispered, wiping the tears from her face and slipping the necklace around her neck.
"How about we keep the party moving?" Jack said, patting Moren on the back. "You still have several more gifts, and we have a few more surprises for you." He helped Moren back to her feet and led her back to the chair. Rose took Rose back and giggled as Moren pouted.
"Agreed," Heiko said excitedly and gestured to the large boxes still on the table. "This one is from Mika and Jack." She placed a rectangular box on the table.
Moren opened it up and pulled out a stunning yellow cloak trimmed with a reflective gold. She spotted intricate rune stitches in the lining on the inside of the cloak.
"It's a Cloak of Protection," Mika explained, resting her hands on Moren's shoulders. "The runes will help protect you from physical or magical attacks."
"Thanks, Mom," Moren said, hugging the cloak to her chest. "Thank you both for this wonderful gift." She draped it over her chest and ran her fingers along the soft fabric it was made of.
"You are quite welcome, dear," Mika beamed. "After what happened in the mountains, we all agreed that you should have a few new pieces of clothing to keep you safe.
"I completely agree, Mika. These are from Lucius, Jace, and I." Heiko excitedly grabbed a package and set it in front of Moren. "Start here and save the other for later." Heiko was practically vibrating with excitement.
The room chuckled at Heiko's excitement, which made the room feel more relaxed as they waited for Moren to open the first box.
"This feels heavy," Moren commented as she lifted the box, removed the ribbon, and lifted the lid. "Gods." She said with a stunned gasp, and her jaw dropped.
Heiko put the lid back down and gestured for Veska to grab a few more presents from the table. "Come with me so you can put these on. Oh, and bring your cloak," She ordered and snapped her fingers. "We'll be back in a bit, everyone~."
Roughly 15 minutes later, Heiko and Veska stepped into the room with matching smiles on their face.
"I present to you the new Moren Ravenheart,' Heiko introduced and gestured to the open door. "Come on in, dear." She smiled brightly as the sound of footsteps grew closer.
Moren confidently strode into the room. Her presence commanded everyone's immediate attention. She was now clad in a striking red dragonscale chest piece with a matching corset that hugged her frame and accentuated both her strength and elegance. The gold accents on the armor caught the light, matching her eyes' fierce and focused glint. Her short black hair was brushed back behind her elf-like ears with her small gold hoop and ruby stud earrings in each ear. Moren's new cloak was draped over her shoulders and held in place with a gold diamond-shaped clasp. On her right shoulder rested a pauldron shaped in an elegant yet sturdy curve of red and gold filigrees. The pauldron was engraved with an arcane symbol for fire filled with gold inlay.
On Moren's forearms were wrapped in sleek, well-crafted bracers fashioned from the same red leather and reinforced with a matching plate along the top, providing protection and flexibility with intricate runes carved into the leather. Her gloves extended past her wrist with a leather and reinforced fabric blend. The fingers were snug, allowing precise movement like casting spells or gripping her weapons. Both gloves had magical storage enchantments on their palms.
At Moren's waist was a belt secured in place with a gold buckle adorned with small pouches and satchels. Each contained important items and tools. At her right hip was a few potions in designated slots made just for potions. Moren wore a pair of fitted leather greaves dyed the same crimson as her upper armor. The dragon scale pattern continued down both thighs and stopped above her knees. Her knee-high black cavalier boots looked reinforced with metal, with more red dragon scales around the top flap of the boots.
"Well," Moren asked, resting her hands on her hips. "How do I look in my new armor?" She did a small twirl to let them get a look at her from all sides. Her cloak swished from side to side when she came to a stop.
"You look incredible." Sylara breathed a hungry look in her eyes. "I'd say good enough to eat, dear." She tapped her lips with a finger and gave Moren a sultry wink.
"So cool!" Jewel gasped and ran up to Moren to run her finger over the scales on the armor. "You look like a hero from the stories Mom tells us of Morgana."
Tiele made several circles around Moren and nodded his head in excitement. "Jewel is right. You look so cool!" He turned to look at his father. "Can I have armor like this when I grow up?"
Jace chuckled and walked over to ruffle his son's hair. "We'll see, son," He said, approvingly nodding. "You look incredible, Momo." He gave her a proud smile. "I hope it keeps you safe to return to us in one piece."
"Agreed," Veska said, letting out a low whistle. "You look very official and will now be an incredibly intimidating woman." She then took a thinking pose. "I think something is missing." She sent a conspiratorial smile to Mika, Jace, and Heiko.
Jaycen mirrored Veska's expression. "I believe you are right, Veska," he said, trying not to smile. "What could it be?" He crossed his arms and tilted his head to the side.
Heiko tapped her chin a few times. "Hmm, what can she be missing?' She wondered aloud before letting out a gasp and snapping her fingers. "Oh, I know!" She walked over to the table and opened a large circular box. "Here."
Moren watched her Aunt pull out a red wizard hat with a wide brim, dramatically sweeping outward. The hat had a brown hat band with a gold polished buckle attached to it. Instead of pointing straight up, the point curved backward.
"I remember that you liked Celeste's hat from the party, and Heiko wanted some ideas, so we agreed on this hat." Mika gestured for Moren to take the hat. "Please try it on for us."
"Thank you," Moren said, taking a few steps forward, accepting the hat from her Aunt, and placing it on her head. The wide brim went from shoulder to shoulder, and it was firm with a bit of flex in the brim. "It fits perfectly." She ran two fingers along the brim in front of her.
"It has been enchanted to keep you cool in the heat of summer and warm in the winter," Heiko gushed, flashing Moren a fanged smile. "And it completed the outfit perfectly."
Moren had to blink to keep tears from running down her face. "This has been the best birthday ever." She choked out as Veska handed her a handkerchief to wipe her eyes. "Thanks, Sis, remind me to thank everyone who helped me make your birthday this special.
Veska shrugged, her eyes distant. "I haven't really celebrated my birthday since my Master vanished on that day," she admitted with a shrug of her shoulders. "But today, Moren, it's all about you. You deserve this special day after everything your parents have put you through."
Moren's eyes narrowed into sharp slits as she spoke, her arms crossing tightly over her chest. "When is it?" She demanded, giving her sister a stern glare.
"It's today," Veska replied nonchalantly as if stating a simple fact like the sky was blue or water was wet. "But I don't really celebrate it." She waved her hand dismissively. "We can worry about it later."
Without hesitation, Mika pulled Veska into a tight embrace, followed by Moren. "Sweetie, I would have gotten you something if I had known," she said softly. "You deserve to have your birthday celebrated just like Moren."
"Now, you and I are going to go shopping in Westrun or Whitestone for a proper birthday present," Moren declared, refusing to let go of Veska until she had finished speaking. "And next year, we will have a joint birthday celebration. I don't mind sharing this day with my amazing sister." Moren locked eyes with Veska, her determination clear. "Understood?"
"Crystal," Veska murmured, tears streaming down her face as she hugged Moren and Mika tightly. "Thank you for caring so much about me and treating me like family." Veska was overwhelmed by their love and acceptance. Veska finally felt like she belonged with them.
"How about we move on to the cake and have some fun?" Jaycen suggested after giving Mika, Moren, and Veska a few minutes to have a family moment.
As the lively celebration winds down and the laughter and conversations from her family grow quieter, Moren catches Sylara's eye. The two of them exchange a knowing smile, an understanding between them unspoken but clear.
The night air carried an early winter chill, the breeze biting just enough to raise goosebumps along Moren's arms despite her cloak. The last of the garden's jasmine and lilies clung to life, their scent faint beneath the cool wind.
Above them, a canopy of stars twinkles against the inky sky while the moon casts a soft glow on everything below. With a hand on Moren's back, Sylara led her to a quiet corner of the garden, away from the lingering sounds of the party. They walk past rows of blooming flowers, their vibrant colors still visible in the dim light.
Finally, they reach a secluded spot where a blanket of plush grass provides a peaceful retreat. Sylara spreads it out for them to sit on, and they settle side by side, their warmth growing as they relax into each other's presence. Sylara's hand finds Moren's, fingers intertwining naturally. "It's been a beautiful night," Sylara said softly, her voice like music in the tranquil setting as she leaned her head against Moren's shoulder.
Moren gazed at her with adoration shining in her eyes. "Yes, it has been." She took a deep breath, taking in the fresh scents of nature around them. "But tomorrow... we go our separate ways again."
Sylara turns to look at her, her elven eyes catching the faint glow of the moonlight. "Only for a time," she reassures, her hand lifting to brush Moren's cheek. "You know I'll always find my way back to you."
Moren smiled wistfully, leaning into Sylara's touch. "I know. But still... tonight, I want to hold onto this moment."
They sat silently for a while, the world around them fading into the background. With every breath, they draw closer, sharing soft words and quiet laughter, making the most of their stolen time together. Moren felt the morning's weight on her mind, but for now, she let herself be fully present with Sylara, knowing this was their time. The gentle rustle of leaves and chirping of crickets provide a soothing soundtrack to their intimate conversation, adding to the magic of the moment.
The darkness of the night envelopes them, the biting chill in the air seeping into their bones. With a gentle tug, Sylara pulled Moren up from the cold grass, her voice soft but insistent as she led her back toward the warmth of the house. A heaviness settles over them both, knowing that this evening was coming to an end.
Inside, the flickering light of the hearth greets them, casting long shadows along the hallway. The once lively home is now quiet and still. But Sylara's hand in hers keeps Moren grounded, refusing to let her give in to exhaustion.
They walked in silence, each step echoing like a countdown to their inevitable separation. As they reach Moren's room, Sylara turns to face her, a hint of mischievousness in her gaze. "Are you sure you want to sleep alone tonight?"
Moren's smile is tinged with longing. "I was hoping you'd offer."
In one swift motion, Sylara ushers Moren inside, their bodies gravitating toward each other like magnets. The moon casts a silvery glow over the room, illuminating their faces as they sit on the edge of the bed.
Sylara's touch is gentle yet possessive as she brushes a strand of hair from Moren's face. "This will be our last night together," She whispered.
Moren nodded, trying to push away the overwhelming sense of loss. "Then let's make it unforgettable." She murmured in a low, husky voice.
Without hesitation, Sylara leans in for a kiss that ignites a fire within them both. They clung to each other like lifelines, savoring every touch and whisper until they were breathless.
"I'll stay," Sylara finally whispered against Moren's lips. "Tonight, I'll stay."
A relieved sigh escapes Moren's lips as they lay together, bodies entwined and hearts beating as one. In the darkness of the night, they share soft words and tender kisses, holding onto each other as the hours slip away. But as the first rays of dawn peek through the window, a sad reality sets in - this perfect moment was only temporary.