The steam haven't even cleared yet the ice was still melting in thick aching drops down the walls but Lilly.....
She was already pulling away
Sam's arms stayed around her for a heartbeat longer, just trying to anchor her until Lilly slipped though, like smoke refusing to be held.
"I can't" Lilly said, her voice frayed and broken." I cant."
"Lilly Sam reached for her."
" Don't, Lilly snapped please just don't.
Lillie's hands were still trembling , fingers twitching like they remembered the fire. Like the flame wanted back out.
" I felt it, Lilly whispered backing away until her shoulders hit a crumbling beam." That thing inside me I wanted to hurt her, Sam I wanted to burn her down to the bone and ash and never feel guilty about it".
Sam took a step forward Lilly flinched.
"Lilly you were scared"
"No," Lilly interrupted. "I was furious that's worse."
Lilly looked down at her hands ash clung to them like guilt that wouldn't wash off. Her voice cracked when she said," What if next time it's you I burn?
Sam was silent.
Then she walked forward anyway slow, steady and she didn't touch Lilly Sam just stood close, letting the heat between them settle into something softer.
"I'm not afraid of you Sam said gently." I know you."
"You don't." Lilly turned away, Face in her palms. "You love who you think I am not this... not this thing I'm becoming."
"Then show me," Sam said. " All of it don't push me away because you're scared I'll run. I'm not Ava, I'm not your ghosts, I'm here Lilly and I'm not leaving."
Lilly's chest shuddered.
She wanted to believe it god, she did.
But the embers in her soul were whispering that love burns too.
That everything she touches turns to ash eventually.
And yet behind her, Sam stayed.
Silent and steady the frost to her fire.
And in the silence that followed..... Lilly cried quietly for everything she was afraid to be.