Izan held him tightly, his hand moving gently over Elian's back in slow, soothing strokes. They stood like that for a long moment, neither of them moving, neither saying a word. Elian's breath steadied, his heart slowing to match the calm, steady beat of Izan's.
"I thought... I thought you didn't want to see me anymore," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.
Izan pulled him closer, pressing his lips to Elian's hair. "Why would you think that, my love?"
Elian sniffed, glancing up at him, eyes red-rimmed. "You stopped visiting my chambers," he murmured, a slight tremor in his voice. "And every time I tried to see you, they said you were busy or out with Dillion. I thought... maybe you didn't want me anymore."
Izan's face softened, his eyes filled with regret. "Elian, I'm so sorry," he murmured, guiding him gently back to the bed and sitting down beside him. "I should have come sooner. I've been dealing with... so many things... I didn't realize how much it was affecting you."
