Vaelora was still blushing intensely. The color had returned even deeper than before, a crimson tide that seemed to have no end.
She gazed at him from her place against his chest as if this were the first time she had ever looked at him properly—eyes wide, gold still faintly glowing, lips parted on an unfinished breath.
"Oh... The real…" Her voice trailed off.
Benjamin's hand rose and rested lightly against her upper back. "Is everything really alright?"
"Yes." She drew a small breath, then another. "I've missed you so much, it almost seems like we're meeting for the first time. Ahaha."
Her next laugh was light, and almost brittle, an attempt to smooth the moment over. "You see, my work back in Fairylynch is truly tedious, and I have exhausted myself. I wanted to unwind with you… Was that uncalled for?"
