She exhaled slowly, the tremor in her body softening under the steady pressure of his hands. He remained close, his forehead almost resting against hers, his breathing quiet and rhythmic, matching her own until the storm inside her began to ebb.
No words passed between them, only the soft press of skin against skin, the quiet sound of steadying breaths, and the unspoken promise that she was safe here.
After a long moment, he shifted slightly, letting her lean back against him, his arms settling around her shoulders, encompassing her in a protective embrace. Tang Fei allowed herself to close her eyes fully now, surrendering to the security of his presence, her body finally starting to release some of the tension it had held so rigidly.
Outside, Twilight remained by the door, vigilant yet giving them this fragile space, understanding that sometimes protection didn't need orders or instructions, only silence, warmth, and the certainty of being guarded.
