Zaeryn felt the relief Ysmeine was offering wash over him, finally loosening the tight knot of anxiety in his chest. Her logic was sound, and he realized he might have been overreacting. The person had seen Viora speaking to him, so what? It wasn't like this unknown intruder would immediately connect the dots and know his most dangerous secret. Ysmeine was right; his secret was safe.
He looked at Ysmeine's serene, flawless face, feeling a surge of gratitude, and leaned in to plant a soft, quick kiss on her cheek. He turned around and was about to leave the room, but Ysmeine's fingers tightened securely around his. She didn't let go of his hand.
"Get back here, Zae," Ysmeine purred, her smoky green eyes looking up at him with a sudden, mischievous gleam. She gave his hand a gentle but firm tug, pulling him back into her personal space. "If you are going to thank me, give me a proper kiss. I demand it."
